A man who led police on a high-speed chase through multiple jurisdictions was sentenced to jail in a Bracebridge courtroom recently.
Michael Boyce, 29, appeared in court to plead guilty to charges that included the theft of a trailer and two pick-up trucks, careless storage of a 12 gauge shotgun, breaches of probation, and running out on his tab at a Bracebridge restaurant.
Court heard that on Oct. 14, 2019, Huntsville OPP responded to a call for service in Huntsville. They found Boyce intoxicated in the street and a subsequent investigation uncovered a shotgun that was not properly secured.
On Aug 6, 2023 the OPP received a call from a business in Huntsville regarding a missing trailer and truck. An investigation found more missing items from the business. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at more than $100,000. The OPP observed Boyce on CCTV at the business and saw him stealing the items.
On March 25, 2024, OPP was called to a “dine and dash” at a Bracebrideg restaurant, which was determined to have been committed by Boyce. He then stole a pick-up truck, which he found idling in a driveway. The OPP caught up with Boyce on Highway 11 and he proceeded to lead them on a chase across multiple jurisdictions at “recklessly high speeds, cutting off other motorists,” said Crown W. Barnes. He was later identified using CCTV footage from a gas bar in Callander.
Boyce was sentenced to 120 days in jail, a $500 fine, two years probation and a one-year driving ban.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
It must be disheartening for the police to do their often very hazardous work only to see brazen criminals like Boyce dumped on the street after a mere 120 days. The one year driving ban probably won’t deter him from stealing a vehicle again and endangering more innocent lives, among other crimes. He obviously needs much more jail time to contemplate the error of his ways
I find it discouraging to continually read that police efforts are met with a judicial system that essentially gives these “fine upstanding citizens” a slap on the wrist. Where’s the deterrent to not keep committing crimes?
Fully expect to see this felons name again in future Doppler Reports. Get that new correctional facility built Dougie so these criminals can spend the time they deserve to give law abiding citizens a reasonable respite from their thievery and crimes dangerous !
So 3 months in jail for auto theft, $100,000 in stolen goods, evading police, and that’s it?
To think I worked for a living, ain’t I a chump,?