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Suspended driver charged following cruiser crash, hi-speed chase: St. Thomas police

Police in St. Thomas say a man is in custody after what they call a 'harrowing overnight incident.'. File/Global News

Police in St. Thomas, Ont. say a man is in custody after what they call a ‘harrowing overnight incident.’

Officials say a pick-up truck was spotted at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday travelling north on First Avenue at an unusually low speed.

When an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle turned abruptly into a driveway. Officials say when they attempted to speak to the lone driver, he put the truck in reverse and rammed the police cruiser.

The suspect then drove up onto a neighbouring lawn, fleeing northbound on First Avenue at a high rate of speed, said police.

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The suspect came upon a dead-end street and raced westbound on Locust Street, narrowly missing a head-on collision with a responding police cruiser, according to officials.

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The truck then traveled up on a curb to avoid the collision and sped south on First Avenue.

Police used a spike belt, which caused two tires to deflate.

A short distance later, the truck stopped and police say the suspect fled the vehicle on foot.

Police chased the man on foot and arrested him a short distance away.

Investigation revealed the truck had been stolen from London Ont., and the suspect was a suspended driver.

Officials say there were no injuries in this incident.

A 23-year-old St. Thomas man is facing several charges including:

  • 2 Counts of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
  • Fail to Stop at the Scene of an Accident
  • Flight from Police
  • 2 Counts of Breach of an Undertaking
  • Prohibited Driving
  • Possession of Stolen Property
  • Drive While Under Suspension
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