CAMBRIDGE – In another addition to the rise of vehicle thefts in Cambridge, a thief jumped into the driver's seat of a running vehicle and drove off in broad daylight Tuesday and now police are on the hunt for the Brantford man they believe is responsible.
In a video posted to social media, the owner of a Hyundai Santa Fe, Ken Noel, 63, can be seen trying to get the door open before the thief drives off with his car.
Noel is then dragged by the vehicle until he is dropped into the wet, snow covered street.
Police confirm that Noel was treated for minor injuries at the scene by paramedics.
According to police, a 32-year-old Brantford man stole the SUV as a means of escape after being pursued by officers in a brief chase from a prior crime.
Waterloo regional police were responding to a call around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday about a stolen Chevrolet Suburban from Brantford. They had located it in a parking lot and tried to block it in.
"The vehicle, occupied by a male driver, fled the area east on Jamieson Parkway. Due to public safety concerns, the pursuit of the vehicle was discontinued," said police in a press release.
Police said the suspect abandoned the Surburban and fled on foot, eventually finding Noel's car left running in his driveway.
Police have put out an arrest warrant for the Brantford man on charges of:
- Flight from peace officer
- Dangerous operation (two counts)
- Possession of stolen property over $5,000 (two counts)
- Theft over $5,000
- Breach of release order
- Operation while prohibited (two counts)
Since auto thefts in the region are at an all time high, police have put out warnings on ways to protect yourself from thieves, including not leaving your vehicle running unattended.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 519-570-9777, extension 2299.
To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
