Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford OPP say they have been investigating a rash of vehicle thefts, stolen credit cards, and property thefts that have occurred since November 2020.

They set an initial fundraising goal of $1,000 but they surpassed that within six hours.

The investigation is in its early stages but police believe speed was a factor in the crash.

Police have identified the deceased as 56-year-old Aaron Fallowfield of London, Ont.

A move five years in the making is now complete, but the aftermath has the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) on the defensive.

The crash forced police to close a section of Hamilton Road on Wednesday night, but the roadway has since reopened.

Police allege the driver "became assaultive towards police" while officers were attempting to conduct a traffic stop.

Few details are available, but police say the investigation centred on a property on the 5000 block of Catherine Street in Thames Centre and involved cattle from a farm. 

Police say the man died after he was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police say the stolen vehicle was stuck in the mud, and allege they found a small quantity of drugs and paraphernalia inside.