BLAKENEY –The Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested a man suspected of fleeing the scene following a single-vehicle rollover on County Road 29 yesterday (Aug. 12).

“The involved vehicle was found in a famer’s field and two female passengers, ages 18 and 23 were transported to hospital with minor injuries,” the OPP released in a statement today (Aug. 13). “The area of the collision was searched by officers and the OPP Canine Unit for the male driver who had fled the scene on foot without locating him.”

 On the morning of Aug. 12, contact was made by telephone with the driver who was subsequently located by police and transported by ambulance to hospital for non-life threatening injuries. 

“Simon Bertrand, age 34 of Carleton Place, was charged with dangerous operation and failure to stop after accident both contrary to the Criminal Code and was released from custody on an appearance notice for a future scheduled court date at the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth,” the OPP said. “The accused was further charged under the Highway Traffic Act for the use of plates not authorized for vehicle.”

A hydro pole damaged in the collision had to be replaced by Hydro One crews and power was out in the area for a short time.