LaSalle police are asking the public for help after someone suspected of stealing a vehicle took off on them.
Officers tried to stop the vehicle at around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday in the area of Sprucewood and Malden Road. When they tried to approach the vehicle, the driver took off. A pursuit was started but called off due to public safety concerns.
The abandoned vehicle was later found near the woodlot at the southern end of Mencarelli, according to Senior Constable Terry Seguin.
"Officers located the suspect in the woodlot, who continued to flee on foot," said Seguin. "During this pursuit, officers continued to give chase as the suspect fled through the Sovereign Woods neighbourhood, traversing fences and backyards of residences. A concerned resident in the 5800 block of Oxley reported an individual who had jumped their fence and crossed through their yard. Despite extensive efforts, the suspect managed to elude capture."
The suspect is described as a White male, aged 20 to 25, with a dark mustache and a thin build, between 5’ 6” and 5’ 8”. At first, he was wearing grey jeans, a black leather jacket, a black hat, and a black backpack. During the foot chase, he discarded the hat, jacket, and bag, leaving him in gray jeans and a black T-shirt.
Police have released photos of the clothing and have asked the public to give them a call if they recognize any of them.
Residents in the Mencarelli, Sovereign Woods, Oxley, Dalton, Bishop, and Bagley areas are asked to check their security cameras for any footage recorded Wednesday morning that may resemble the suspect.
Anyone with information should call LaSalle police at (519) 969-5210. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (519) 258-TIPS (8477).
