A Kincardine man is facing a lengthy list of charges following a dramatic incident involving a stolen vehicle and a second, unrelated arrest just days later, according to the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police.
Police reported that the incident began late Friday night, January 9, when officers were called to a parking lot on Huron Terrace shortly before 10 p.m. after a vehicle was reported stolen. Investigators alleged the driver of a Buick crossover vehicle had just arrived when a male abandoned a Dodge SUV, climbed into the Buick and fled the scene.
The stolen vehicle was soon spotted in another nearby parking lot on Philip Place, where witnesses reported a disturbance involving bystanders. An officer who was already in the area observed the commotion and saw the driver return to the Buick, drive over a curb and speed away through the lot. Police said the vehicle then ran a red light at the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 9 before heading eastbound on Highway 9. Officers chose not to pursue out of concern for public safety.
About 30 minutes later, another officer located the stolen Buick travelling westbound on Highway 9 from the Kinloss area. Additional units positioned themselves outside Kincardine and successfully deployed a tire deflation device as the vehicle approached. Despite a damaged tire, police say the Buick continued until it struck a snowbank on South Street, where the driver was arrested without further incident.
A search conducted at the time of arrest led to the seizure of suspected methamphetamine. A 36-year-old man from the Municipality of Kincardine was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, impaired operation, dangerous driving and possession of a Schedule I substance. He was held for a bail hearing the following day and later released from custody.
Police say the same individual was arrested again on Sunday evening, January 11, after officers responded to a disturbance at a Kincardine residence. As a result of that incident, the 36-year-old man faces additional charges of uttering threats and possession of methamphetamine. He was once again held for a bail hearing and subsequently released.
South Bruce OPP are asking anyone with information related to either incident to contact police at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online, with information potentially eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
