A 21-year-old Toronto man faces several driving charges after an alleged Oshawa police pursuit ended with an Acura sedan striking two parked vehicles.
Durham Regional Police said members of the East Division Community Resource Unit attempted to stop the car near Coldstream Drive and Ritson Road at approximately 8:05 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Officers had allegedly observed the Acura being driven in an unsafe manner before initiating the traffic stop. Police said the driver did not stop and instead fled from officers.
Oshawa Police Pursuit Ends in Two Collisions
According to the police account, the driver lost control of the Acura while attempting to flee and struck two parked vehicles. Both vehicles were unoccupied at the time.
Police allege that the driver then left the Acura and attempted to escape on foot. Officers located and arrested him shortly afterward.
Durham police identified the accused as Israel Barnes, 21, of Toronto. He has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, stunt driving, flight from a peace officer, disobeying a stop sign and operating a vehicle with an improper licence.
Barnes was released on an undertaking. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Police did not provide further information about the initial driving behaviour that prompted officers to conduct the traffic stop. The official release also did not specify which alleged actions formed the basis of the stunt-driving charge.
Ontario’s stunt-driving regulation covers more than excessive speeding. It can also apply to several dangerous driving behaviours, including intentionally preventing another vehicle from passing, deliberately cutting off another road user or driving unjustifiably close to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object.
A stunt-driving charge can result in an immediate 30-day roadside driver’s licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment. Further penalties may apply following a conviction.
Police Ask Witnesses to Come Forward
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the alleged Oshawa police pursuit to contact Constable Walker of the Community Resource Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1608.
Residents and drivers who were near Coldstream Drive and Ritson Road shortly after 8 a.m. on July 16 may have information that could assist the investigation. Anyone with dashboard-camera, cellphone or surveillance footage from the area should preserve the original recording and contact police.
Anonymous information may be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Police say tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward when their information assists an investigation.
The collision involved parked vehicles and occurred during the morning travel period in north Oshawa. Police have not announced additional charges or provided an update indicating whether the investigation has concluded.
Anyone discussing the case should avoid presenting the accusations as established facts. Barnes is presumed innocent unless the allegations are proven in court.
Further updates should come from Durham Regional Police or court records. This article should be revised if police announce additional charges, withdraw charges or release new information about the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop and collisions.
