2 Peterborough police officers injured after cruisers ‘deliberately rammed’: chief

Two officers were injured after police say the driver of pickup truck deliberately rammed two police cruisers in Peterborough, Ont., on Sunday evening.

A social media post issued by Peterborough Police Service chief Stuart Betts stated officers attempting to stop a vehicle “were deliberately rammed” by the driver of a fleeing pickup truck along Water Street near University Heights Boulevard.

Police say officers were called to the area around 6:20 p.m. for reports of a pickup truck being driven erratically, including into oncoming traffic, before it entered a parking lot just north of Water Street.

Police say on arrival, an officer located the suspect vehicle in the parking lot. It’s alleged the truck collided with the police cruiser as it was approaching and continued driving onto Water Street.

The pickup truck then collided with a second police cruiser on Water Street. Police say the cruiser had its lights and sirens activated at the time of the collision.

“The first officer was able to get in front of the vehicle again when the driver stopped and fled on foot,” police stated Monday morning.

Police say both officers received minor injuries, but were able to get out of their vehicles. One of them exited via the passenger side due to the vehicle’s damage They chased the suspect a short distance away and took him into custody.

Officers searched the pickup truck and located and seized 5.9 grams of cocaine, 5.8 grams of fentanyl, 70 oxycodone pills, drug paraphernalia and cash.

A 30-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with drug-impaired driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, driving while under suspension, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and three counts of possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Betts posted a photo of one damaged police cruiser and said the vehicle will likely be a write-off while another is “questionable.”

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The man was also issued a 45-day vehicle impoundment.

He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Peterborough on Monday.

Betts on Sunday night said the suspect was being examined for possible injuries resulting from “his deliberate actions towards officers.” Police in their update on Monday did not state if the driver was injured.

“This is a sad reality of policing,” Betts stated. “This is the personal and financial cost of policing. This is the type of thing our officers could face at any time. Sure, it’s what they’re paid to do, but few other professions have employees who knowingly put themselves in harm’s way to keep their community safe.

“Fortunately, the officers will be fine and will continue to serve with pride in the community they are committed to. They may need a bit of time for the bangs and bruising to heal though.”