A vehicle theft investigation has ended with several police cruisers damaged and a St. Thomas man facing a long list of charges.
On Tuesday, shortly after 5:30 p.m., members of the Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to investigate a single-vehicle crash at a Highway 59, Norfolk County address.
No injuries were reported following the collision, though police were unable to find the driver.
It was later determined that the vehicle, a pickup truck, had been reported stolen from Port Stanley.
After discovering that the truck had been stolen, the search for the driver increased. Police, including canine units, were unable to locate the suspect.
On Wednesday, at around 6:36 a.m., police investigated a traffic complaint involving a vehicle at a Highway 3, Norfolk County address. According to the OPP, the vehicle matched the description of a car that was reported stolen from a 1st Concession Road, Norfolk County address half an hour earlier.
Officers located the vehicle in the parking lot of a James Street business, in Norfolk County.
The suspect did attempt to drive away, resulting in three police vehicles being damaged, OPP said.
No injuries were reported and the driver was arrested without incident.
A 30-year-old St. Thomas man has been charged with nearly three dozen offences. They are as follows:
Break and enter into a place to commit an indictable offence
Assault
Uttering threats - cause death or bodily harm
Dangerous operation of a vehicle (three counts)
Drive motor vehicle - perform stunt
Drive motor vehicle - no plates
Driver - no helmet or improper helmet
Failure to remain at a crash (two counts)
Flight from a Peace Officer
Operation of a vehicle while impaired - alcohol and drugs
Failure to comply with Probation Order (two counts)
Failure or refusal to comply with demand
Failure to comply with Release Order - other than to attend court (five counts)
Obstruction of a Peace Officer (two counts)
Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code (three counts)
Possession of break-in instruments (two counts)
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 - in Canada (four counts)
Theft of a motor vehicle (two counts)
