The day after terminating a pursuit due to concerns about public safety, Guelph Police arrested the man they say was responsible.
The incident started Tuesday around 3:40 p.m. when a black 2009 Hyundai Genesis was taken from the driveway of a residence located near the intersection of Willow Road and Dawson Road. A set of keys was left in the vehicle.
Police report that later that evening, an adult male drove the vehicle to the parking lot of a business located near the intersection of Stone Road West and Edinburgh Road South. He parked and proceeded to enter the driver’s seat of another motor vehicle. That vehicle had been left unlocked with the keys in the ignition and two adult occupants were in the back seat.
He ordered the occupants out of the vehicle and they complied. The male put the vehicle in reverse but eventually gave up on the theft, jumping out of the vehicle. He returned to the initial stolen vehicle and drove away from the scene. The unattended vehicle then rolled back into a parked van and struck a pole causing extensive damage estimated at $9,000.
Shortly after, the male drove towards a member of the Guelph Police traffic unit conducting speed enforcement near the intersection of Wellington Street West and Imperial Road South. Police attempted to stop the speeding stolen vehicle, but terminated the pursuit due to concerns for public safety.
Police say the vehicle drove hit speeds of 163km/h in a 50km/h zone.
On Thursday afternoon police observed the male attend to the stolen vehicle that was parked near the intersection of Westwood Road and Willow Road. He was subsequently arrested.
A 35-year-old Guelph man has been charged with:
- Theft over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Mischief over $5,000
- Dangerous operation of a conveyance
- Flight from police
- Three counts of drive disqualified
- Drive under suspension
- Driver motor vehicle no license
He was held in custody pending a Friday bail hearing.
Further investigation revealed that the male is currently on a federal parole statutory release. If he is released at his bail hearing, he will be returned to custody to complete the remainder of his previous sentence.
