Youth arrested after fleeing, assaulting police
A youth has been arrested, and another one is wanted by Kingston Police, after driving dangerously through central Kingston and fleeing, then assaulting, officers when police attempted to stop their vehicle on the evening of Friday, Aug. 5, 2022.
According to Kingston Police Sergeant Steve Koopman, officers observed a Mitsubishi sedan being driven at a high rate of speed in the area of Joseph Street and Patrick Street at around 10:15 p.m. on Friday night.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not stop and continued to evade police at a high rate of speed. According to Sgt. Koopman, at that time officers made a judgement call regarding public safety and opted not to continue a high-speed pursuit of the vehicle.
Shortly thereafter, other officers spotted the same Mitsubishi at Third Avenue and MacDonnell Street, with the driver continuing his hazardous behaviour.
Officers again attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver resisted. In an attempt to evade police, he reversed his vehicle into a police cruiser, causing damage to the front end of the cruiser and the back of his own vehicle.
The driver again placed the vehicle into drive, continuing his attempt to flee police, but police were able to block the vehicle in and bring it to a stop.
According to Kingston Police, when an officer then approached and opened the driver’s side door to attempt to obtain the vehicle keys and turn the car off, the belligerent driver and female passenger assaulted the officer.
The male driver was subdued by officers and arrested. Meanwhile, the female passenger fled on foot.
In the course of the incident, the male suspect suffered some injuries, including lacerations, and he was taken to Kingston General Hospital, where, Kingston Police say, his injuries were confirmed by doctors as minor, and he was subsequently released back into police custody.
The 17-year-old suspect was held overnight at Kingston Police headquarters, attended a bail hearing on Saturday morning and is now facing six charges related to the incident:
- Failing to stop for police
- Dangerous operation of a vehicle
- Two counts of Assault with a weapon (vehicle)
- Possession of a flick knife, a prohibited weapon
- Obstructing a police officer after lying about his identity
Kingston Police say that the female passenger, also 17 years old and who has now been positively identified, remains at large. Kingston Police are proceeding on a warrant for her arrest based on at least one count of Assault against a peace officer.