Several pedestrians, including a family with a small child in a stroller, had to jump out of the way after a driver, reportedly trying to get away from Owen Sound police, drove on a sidewalk.
The incident began around 4:50 p.m. on Sunday when police attempted to arrest a man, who was out on bail, for allegedly breaching his release conditions. Police said the man resisted arrest, then fled in a pickup truck, hitting a police cruiser and nearly hitting officers.
He then allegedly drove onto a sidewalk where pedestrians had to take "evasive action" to avoid being hit. No physical injuries were reported, police said.
As the search for the man continued, investigators were notified that his electronic GPS ankle monitor had been deliberately removed and discarded. The involved vehicle was found abandoned a short time later.
OPP canine officers and aviation resources were brought in and a suspect was arrested. Police added that a man had also tried to break into an occupied home prior to the arrest.
A 24-year-old Owen Sound man, already facing numerous drug and weapons-related charges, has additionally been charged with several Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences.
Police said that due to the serious risk to the public, the man has been referred to the Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Program, which handles high-risk and repeat offenders.
