Wednesday, August 27, 2003

STOLEN POLICE CRUISER RESULTS IN MINOR INJURIES
(Thompson Township - West of Blind River, Ontario)

Yesterday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Sault Ste. Marie O.P.P. arrested a female in Laird Township east of Echo Bay, Ontario for non-payment of gas at the Agawa Indian Crafts and Gas Station north of Sault Ste. Marie.

While under arrest, the female managed to escape from the caged area of the cruiser and stole the marked O.P.P. car while the officers were conducting an investigation at the scene. Subsequent investigation revealed that the truck that the female had been driving was reported stolen from Alberta and was previously involved in a robbery.

A police pursuit was initiated eastbound on Highway 17 towards Blind River but it was called off by the Provincial Communications Sergeant due to safety concerns shortly after it began. The stolen cruiser was followed at a safe distance and a spike belt was deployed approximately 9 kilometers west of Blind River to disable the stolen cruiser.

The cruiser left the roadway and went into the Mississauga River. Officers entered the water to remove the driver from the vehicle. The female was treated and released for minor injuries from the Blind River District Health Center.

She will appear Sault Ste. Marie bail court.


STOLEN HANDGUNS
Sault O.P.P. were called to a break and enter in Laird Township yesterday morning at 12:15. The front door of a home was kicked in.

Once inside, thieves gained entry to a gun safe and stole 13 handguns. Also stolen was about $1,400 in cash.

If you have any information, you are asked to call the O.P.P. at 945-6833 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.