Video Captures Alleged Impaired Driver Fleeing Foot After Oshawa Crash
Toronto man accused of fleeing police under the influence after high-speed chase in Oshawa
A dramatic late-night pursuit through the streets of Oshawa ended in the early hours of Saturday, after a Toronto man allegedly fled police while driving under the influence. The incident unfolded just before 2 a.m. on June 1, when officers observed a vehicle behaving erratically as it traveled eastbound on Highway 401.
When officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver reportedly refused to stop, instead exiting the highway and speeding northbound along Stevenson Road South. Law enforcement resources were quickly mobilized, with Durham Regional Police’s Air1 helicopter providing aerial support to maintain sight of the fleeing suspect.
The tense pursuit came to a sudden halt near Simcoe Street South and Valley Drive, where the suspect crashed his car in a green space. Air1’s high-definition camera captured the moments that followed, as the man quickly exited the vehicle and attempted to hide nearby. “The driver has exited going northeast right now on foot from the motor vehicle, now running, curving back around,” one officer narrated from above. Moments later, they added, “Perfect. He’s lying down, just north of the vehicle.”
Police officers quickly converged on the location, apprehending the suspect without further incident. No injuries were reported during the pursuit or arrest, authorities confirmed. The man, later identified as 43-year-old Michael Welch of Toronto, was taken into custody at the scene.
Welch now faces a series of serious charges, including impaired operation of a conveyance, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, and operation while prohibited. Police are continuing their investigation and have asked that anyone with additional information regarding the incident contact the Durham Regional Police Service.
