Two male youths are facing charges after a dangerous driving incident last week.
On Thursday, July 27, 2023 at approximately 11:20 p.m., members of the Aerial Support Unit (ASU) observed a vehicle that had been travelling at a high rate of speed. Four occupants were seen inside the vehicle, which officers confirmed was stolen. In consultation with ASU, Patrol officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of 7th Avenue and Cavendish Street. The driver of the vehicle did not stop for police and took off at a high rate of speed. Using thermal imaging technology on the airplane’s camera, ASU officers kept watch on the suspect vehicle and witnessed it collide with another vehicle at the intersection of Cavendish Street and Dewdney Avenue. The driver did not stop after the collision and continued to drive erratically on Dewdney Avenue. No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Moments later, police officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device (spike belt) in the area of Dewdney Avenue and Winnipeg Street. The vehicle came to a stop nearby and four male occupants fled on foot.
Members of ASU continued to track the suspects from the air and guided Patrol officers to the location of the driver. Patrol officers engaged in a foot pursuit with two other suspects, who were safely taken into police custody. The fourth suspect was located and apprehended by members of the Canine Unit; during the course of the arrest, a Police Service Dog bit the male suspect. He was assessed and treated by EMS for his injuries. All four males were taken into custody and as a result of police investigation, two male youths have been charged.
A 15 year-old male, who cannot be identified in accordance with provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), has been charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle [CC 333.1 (1)];
- Possession of Property Obtained By Crime Over $5000 [CC 355 (A)];
- Failure To Stop After Accident [CC 320.16 (1)];
- Flight From Peace Officer [CC 320.17].
A 14 year-old male, who cannot be identified in accordance with provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), has been charged with:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle [CC 333.1 (1)];
- Possession of Property Obtained By Crime Over $5000 [CC 355 (A)];
- Failure To Comply With Disposition [YCJA 137].
Both male youths made their first court appearances on these charges in Provincial Youth Court on July 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
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