Man, 20, charged after street racers hit 200 km/hr along Nairn Overpass: Winnipeg police

Man, 20, charged after street racers hit 200 km/hr along Nairn Overpass: Winnipeg police

Driver fled police with passenger on foot before being taken into custody, police say

Drivers were seen street racing through a Winnipeg neighbourhood at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour early Sunday, but only one arrest was made as some of the vehicles were not identified, police say.

Around 2 a.m. Sunday, police received reports of a Corvette racing at high speeds alongside other vehicles along the Disraeli Freeway, according to a news release.

A police helicopter tracked the vehicles, which police say split off into multiple directions after crossing the Nairn Overpass at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.

Officers attempting to stop a Jeep and a Corvette near Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue ticketed the driver of the Jeep under the Highway Traffic Act, but the Corvette sped past and entered a residential area, police said.

The driver of the Corvette stopped the vehicle near Johnson Avenue and Henderson Highway before fleeing on foot with a passenger, police said.

A police dog unit helped track the pair a couple blocks away before they were taken into custody, police said. One of them needed medical attention after being apprehended by a police dog.

A 20-year-old man is now charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and fleeing a police officer. He was released on a promise to appear in court.

The other vehicles seen racing were not identified, police say.