Suspect arrested in Portage Place bus shelter attack after pursuit in stolen vehicle

A 26-year-old man connected to a serious assault at a Portage Place bus shelter was arrested Wednesday night.

Police released surveillance images taken during a vicious attack Jan. 23 at the bus stop with a view to identifying the suspect.

READ MORE: Surveillance images show daytime attack at Portage Place bus shelter

Police said Joshua Zachary Snakeskin was taken into custody following a pursuit that began just after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at Portage Avenue and Sherbrook Street.

Officers spotted a vehicle that had been stolen from Gimli and followed it.

Air1 got involved when the suspect increased speed and the patrol officers backed off.  The stolen truck continued to drive even after stop-sticks were used and damaged the tires. It was involved in three minor accidents but no injuries were reported.

The chase ended near Portage Avenue and Albany Street about twenty minutes later.

Officials said the arrest came after a string of events on Jan. 24:

• 12:30 p.m. – a 56-year old driver had his car stolen as he was parking in a lot in the 2300 block of McPhillips Street
• 1:45 p.m.  – the car was abandoned in Gimli, Man. where a truck was stolen
• 9:13 p.m.  – the stolen truck fuelled up Headingley; the driver took off without paying
• 9:30 p.m. – the stolen truck was spotted in the West End
• 9:51 p.m. – the stolen truck was stopped in the 1900 block of Portage Avenue

PHOTO GALLERY: view images taken in Gimli and of the Portage Ave. police pursuit 

Snakeskin has been charged with:

• Assault peace officer with a weapon
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Aggravated assault
• Robbery
• Mischief under $5,000
• Flight while pursued by peace officer
• Theft of motor vehicle
• Theft under $5,000

Police said Snakeskin has been in custody before. He was just released from Stony Mountain Jan. 19.

– with files from Logan Caswell