A 33-year-old Guelph male faces a series of charges, including assault with a weapon and escaping lawful custody, in relation to an incident last month that saw a loss prevention officer nearly struck by a stolen vehicle.
At about 1:25 p.m. on Oct. 8, a male and female stole about $600 worth of product from a Stone Road West business, explains a news release from Guelph Police Service. A loss prevention officer followed them from the store in an attempt to stop them but backed off when the male suspect reached behind his back; the employee previously saw a large knife in a sheath clipped to the male’s belt.
The staff member followed the pair at a distance and took photos of them and their vehicle. At one point, the male suspect drove the car at the employee, causing him to jump out of the way, then speed through the parking lot narrowly missing several other pedestrians and vehicles.
Police later learned the vehicle was reported stolen in another jurisdiction.
The male suspect was identified from the employee’s photos and arrested Tuesday.
The accused is charged with assault with a weapon, possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous driving, escaping lawful custody and theft under $5,000.
