Ontario Provincial Police have charged 10 people with 48 criminal code and traffic-related offences after a three-month investigation into “dangerous motorcycle stunts and erratic riding behaviours” in the GTA.
OPP said during a news conference Wednesday that officers from various units carried out Project Saddle between June and September. Police said in a statement officers “disrupted dangerous riding activity” on 20 occasions.
On Aug. 6, officers received several complaints about a large “mob of motorcycles” manoeuvering on Highways 401, 403, 409, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway, OPP previously said. Police released an aerial video showing the motorcyclists riding together and another video showing the group stopped.
Get daily news
“Police noted these stunts occurred during a period when carnage involving motorcycles was particularly high and the subject of repeated road safety warnings,” police said in the statement.
“The same sub-culture of riders has been known to refuse to stop and have swarmed police officers in a threatening manner on several occasions.”
Officers took aim at those who performed the stunts, saying it’s a safety issue.
“The danger these riders presented to themselves and to the unsuspecting drivers they distracted, cut off, or totally stopped in live lanes is beyond belief,” OPP Supt. Alison Jevons said in the statement.
“These stunts that self-servingly fuel their egos needed to be stopped before anyone was killed or maimed.”
READ MORE: Large ‘mob of motorcycles’ caught weaving through Toronto-area traffic, stopping on highway
Police also had a warning for those who might engage in similar behaviour.
“This investigation culminating with Criminal Code charges should put other like-minded individuals on notice,” Det. Insp. Scott Naylor said.
Ten people are facing 35 Criminal Code of Canada charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and mischief. They also face Highway Traffic Act charges. Six charges were also laid under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.
Seven of the accused made their first appearance in court. Three people have outstanding arrest warrants. Police said the investigation is ongoing.