Massive manhunt underway for wanted man east of Peterborough

A massive manhunt in Quinte West continued in the Campbellford area Friday, as police searched for a man wanted for the theft of two vehicles.

Police in Quinte West said they were searching for a man near Stacey Road, County Road 5, and Jamieson Road on Thursday after they received a report of a stolen truck around 3 p.m. on Thursday.

The suspect sped through the back of a chocolate factory on Second Street in Campbellford, Ont. where he abandoned the truck, and fled on foot.

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“We called out all our resources, including our emergency response team, our tactical response unit, aviation services which would be the helicopter and our K-9 unit as well,” said media relations officer for OPP, Const. Stephen Bates.

Around 2 a.m. on Friday, the Stirling-Rawdon Police Services, near Campbellford, received a report of yet another stolen pick up truck. This one on the border of Northumberland county.

“When they went there they found a stolen ATV that was stolen from a farm, that was just South of Ferris Provincial Park,” said Bates.

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Investigators believe that Vader is responsible for both thefts and could be driving the second pickup truck.

The pickup truck is described as black, 2003, GMC Sierra with a license plate number AS26578.

Richard Vader, 33, is 5’9 and about 155 pounds with short brown hair and blue eyes. Vader is known to police for several domestic related charges and other charges recently. He was previously convicted of numerous weapons offences, according to mackscriminallaw.com, a commentary blog written by Crown Attorney Dallas Mack.

OPP are asking residents to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity, and to not approach the suspect if they spot him.

“We’re advising the public to ensure that when they are not with their vehicle, to lock up their vehicle and take their keys out of their vehicle,” said Bates.