Man in stolen truck rams OPP cruisers on Highway 401 in Oshawa

OPP say a Whitby man was arrested after he stole a pickup truck and rammed several vehicles – including two OPP cruisers – on Highway 401 in Oshawa on Thursday afternoon.

The westbound lanes of the highway were closed at Harmony Road South as police investigated.

On Twitter, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said the truck had been stolen in Port Hope. It was being followed by officers who attempted to stop the vehicle. Instead, the driver of the pickup struck two cruisers and sped away.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: 2 men charged with stunt driving on Ontario highways: OPP

The vehicle then crashed in a nearby parking lot, Schmidt said. Durham Region Police located and arrested the 26-year-old suspect who fled on foot. He is now in OPP custody  – no name has been released.

One officer was taken to hospital with undisclosed injuries but were believed to be “minor in nature,” Schmidt said. Among the five vehicles damaged included a Ministry of Transportation Ontario truck.

The highway reopened around 6:30 p.m.