Man charged with impaired driving after allegedly fleeing from police, crashing into 2 Markham homes

York Regional Police say a 47-year-old man has been charged with impaired driving after allegedly fleeing from officers and crashing into two Markham houses.

A police spokesperson told Global News officers were called to Major Buttons Drive, near Ninth Line and Highway 7, at around 6 p.m. with multiple reports an SUV crashed.

Police said officers tried to stop the vehicle, a white Acura RDX, a short time before the crash, but it took off at a high rate of speed.

They said officers didn’t try to pursue the SUV as it’s not the service’s “practice” to chase a vehicle where it’s suspected the driver is impaired.

The spokesperson said emergency crews began receiving the collision reports.

0:32 York Regional Police Const. Laura Nicolle speaks with Global News about 2019 impaired driving statistics

Police said the SUV crashed into the corner of a garage at a house and a vehicle, before colliding into a second garage.

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The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. Police said the driver was also arrested for impaired driving.

In an updated news release issued Friday, Jeagadeeswaran Ratnasabapathy, a resident of Toronto, has been charged with impaired driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police.

— With files from Gabby Rodrigues.