The LaSalle Police Service is working to locate a suspect after attempts to stop a stolen vehicle resulted in a foot chase through a woodlot in the town.
At 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, officers tried to stop a reported stolen vehicle at Sprucewood Avenue and Malden Road, however the driver refused to stop and sped away.
In the interest of public safety, officers decided not to pursue the vehicle but the stolen pickup truck was located at short time later abandoned at the southern end of Mencarelli Street, near a woodlot.
A ground search was launched in th woodlot and officers located the suspect, who ran away.
During this pursuit, the suspect fled through the Sovereign Woods neighbourhood, going over fences and through backyards of nearby homes.
A concerned resident in the 5800 block of Oxley reported an individual who had jumped their fence and crossed through their yard.
The suspect managed to get away but is now wanted on charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police officer, possession of break and enter tools and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The LaSalle Police Service reports a suspect who fled from police abandoned several items of clothing that they hope will help identify the individual. Sept. 27, 2023 (Photo: LaSalle Police Service)
During the pursuit, the suspect discarded a hat, jacket, and backpack, leaving him in gray jeans and a black T-shirt.
The suspect is described as a white male, aged 20 to 25, with a dark mustache and a thin build, standing between 5’6” and 5’8” tall. Initially, he was wearing grey jeans, a black leather jacket, a black hat, and a black backpack. During the foot pursuit, he discarded the hat, jacket, and backpack, leaving him in gray jeans and a black T-shirt.
LaSalle Police are urging residents in the Mencarelli, Sovereign Woods, Oxley, Dalton, Bishop, Bagley, and nearby areas to review their surveillance cameras between 7:20 a.m. and 9 a.m. for any footage that may resemble the provided description of the suspect.
Any information related to this case should be reported to the LaSalle Police Service immediately at (519) 969-5210.
Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers at 519-258-TIPS (519-258-8477) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.