Fortified SUV leads to drug charges in London

On Wednesday, May 4th, 2011, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police officers had stopped a dark coloured SUV at Craig Street and Ridout Street, in London, after the vehicle had nearly struck their fully marked police cruisers on Wharncliffe Road. The male driver was acting irrationally and appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. London Police Service arrived on scene and attempted to speak with the male but his irrational behaviour continued.

Police noted that the windows on the vehicle were heavily tinted and appeared to be "bullet proof". Officers backed away from the SUV after the male refused to answer any questions or comply with any demands. Members of the Emergency Response Section (ERS) attended, contained the vehicle and area. ERS officers tried several times to penetrate the vehicle but due to the reinforced armour on the vehicle, they had negative results. Negotiators attended the scene and at 1:29 a.m. the accused exited the vehicle and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Police charged 25-year-old Michael Flor, of London with:

– One count of fail to submit to drug evaluation contrary to section 255 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
– Wilfully obstruct police officers in the execution of their duties contrary to section 129(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada

The vehicle was seized by police and a search warrant was executed on the vehicle on Thursday, May 12, 2011. Due to the complexity of this incident and fortification of the vehicle, the London Police Service utilized a member of the Canadian Border Services who was an expert in the dismantling of reinforced vehicles.

During the search of the SUV police located trace amounts of crack cocaine and seized a quantity of Canadian Currency and other evidence of trafficking in narcotics.

Further charges are expected against Michael Flor.

The media is invited to London Police Headquarters for an update on the SUV investigation by London Police Service Chief Brad Duncan on Friday May 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.