Guelph police say a 35-year-old man is facing several charges after a bit of a crime spree featuring a car theft, $9,000 in property damage and driving through a speed trap 100 km/h over the limit.
A Hyundai Genesis was stolen from a driveway near Willow and Dawson roads on Wednesday afternoon after the keys were left in the vehicle, according to police.
Later that night, police said the suspect drove the stolen car to a business near Stone and Edinburgh roads and then entered another car that was left unlocked with the key in the ignition.
That car also had two people in the backseat.
“He ordered the occupants out of the vehicle and they complied,” police said. “The male put the vehicle in reverse but eventually gave up on the theft.”
The vehicle then rolled back into a parked van and struck a pole, causing $9,000 in damage.
Back in the Genesis, police said the suspect drove by a police officer with a radar gun near Wellington Street and Imperial Road.
Police said they tried to stop the vehicle, but ended their pursuit due to concerns for public safety because the vehicle was going 163 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.
On Thursday, police said the suspect was seen getting into the stolen vehicle near Westwood and Willow roads.
He was arrested and charged with several offences including theft, mischief and dangerous driving.
The accused, who was not named, was held in custody for a bail hearing.