Two charged after OPP cruiser rammed during stolen boat chase
Posted July 21, 2017 4:23 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Provincial police say two people are facing serious charges after a police cruiser was rammed in the pursuit of stolen property.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says on July 5 police were called about a reported stolen boat being pulled along Highway 401 by a pickup truck.
Cambridge OPP came upon the boat and attempted to stop the vehicle by pulling in front of the pickup and attempting a rolling block.
The pickup then rammed into the back and side of the Chevy Tahoe, forcing it off the road. The officer inside the vehicle sustained minor injuries.
Police then called off the pursuit as the suspects fled.
Waterloo Regional Police then managed to locate the abandoned boat a short distance away from the scene of the pursuit.
Following an investigation involving up to five provincial and regional police forces, police have charged Matt Charlton, 32, and Sandra Dredge, 27 – both of Hanover, Ont. – in connection with the case.
“Stolen property has been recovered but unfortunately it comes at a cost,” said Schmidt.
“This is unbelievably dangerous. The risk to public safety, officers included, are overwhelmingly serious and we’re thankful that these two people have been taken off the road.”
Dredge has been released on a promise to appear while Charlton remains in custody, being held by West Grey Police on an unrelated issue.
