A 43-year-old Bay Roberts man is facing a slew of charges after fleeing from police while operating a side-by-side.

An RCMP officer who was conducting traffic enforcement while parked on the side of the road in Spaniard’s Bay Tuesday afternoon noticed the side-by-side speed past.

When the officer attempted to pull the ATV over, the driver refused to stop and sped off, forcing oncoming vehicles to have to pull over to avoid colliding with the machine.

Police decided not to pursue the ATV in the interest of public safety.

RCMP report that several calls came into the detachment regarding the vehicle driving dangerously prior to being observed by police on the main highway.

The driver was located at his home a short time later. Michael Efford is charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, flight from police, and driving while suspended.

The ATV, which was hidden in a nearby wooded area, was seized and impounded. Efford was released to appear in court on June 16.

Bay Roberts man arrested for dangerous operation and flight from police on ATV in Spaniard’s Bay. #RCMPNL https://t.co/0zslBzyZaH pic.twitter.com/lClPHQNqRB

— RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador (@RCMPNL) April 15, 2021