(MIDDLESEX, ON) – On April 11, 2020 just after midnight Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to an assist related call from the Huron County OPP, reporting of a stolen pickup truck, travelling southbound on HWY 21, towards Middlesex County. The truck was later observed traveling through the community of Lucan at speeds estimated almost three times the posted speed limit. At the time police did not engage the suspect vehicle for concerns related to public safety. The stolen truck was later observed on Ilderton Rd. where it failed to stop for police and fled the area on Hyde Park Rd. OPP officers were staged at this location and a spike belt was successfully deployed, deflating two tires on the stolen vehicle. The suspects continued in their attempt to flee the area and escape across an open field. The truck become stuck in the mud and the ensuing officers quickly placed two parties under arrest, where a quantity of stolen property was recovered at the scene.
As a result of an investigation police have charged Chantelle DAW -age 26- of London, ON, with:
CC 320.13(1) Dangerous operation
CC 320.17 Flight from peace officer
CC 320.18(1)(a) Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
CC 355(a) Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
CC 355(b) Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
CC 56.1 Possession of an identity document
CC 145(5)(a) Failure to comply with release order
CC 733.1(1) Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Police have also charged the second vehicle occupant, Craig MARCHE – age 27- of the Municipality of Thames Centre with:
CC 355(a) Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
CC 355(b) Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
CC 145(5)(a) Failure to comply with release order
CC 56.1 Possession of an identity document
Both accused parties were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to appear in a London court room on April 14,2020 to speak to the charges.
The Middlesex County OPP wants to remind the public that even during this most difficult time of the COVID19 pandemic, our dedicated members are working 24/7 to ensure that our communities are safe and secure. Our officers are committed to using all of their skills, training and equipment to bring incidents such as this to a safe resolution and to ensure we protect the lives and property of those living within this great community.
We want to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately. The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.