Waterloo regional police are asking for the public's help to identify a suspect and vehicle that was involved in a collision with a police cruiser Sunday morning after officers responded to an in-progress theft in Kitchener.
Police released two photos, one showing the suspect and one showing the vehicle, a white 2023 GMC Denali 3500, crew cab, with dual rear wheels and a stinger attached under the rear bumper. The vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side doors.
The suspect is described as a Southeast Asian male, around 30 years old, 6’1”, with a medium build.
Officers from WRPS's Central Division Neighbourhood Patrol responded to a report of a theft occurring at a business in the area of Gateway Park Drive and Tu-Lane Street in Kitchener around 10:40 a.m. Sunday.
Police arrived on the scene as the subject attempted to leave the parking lot of the business in the Denali. Officers blocked the vehicle with police cruisers in an attempt to arrest the male subject and prevent him from fleeing in the vehicle.
The suspect then rammed one of the police cruisers with the GMC and drove away toward Sportsworld Drive. Another officer in the area observed the vehicle and initiated a suspect apprehension pursuit.
The suspect vehicle drove east on Maple Grove Road and, upon reaching a red light at Saltsman Drive, drove into oncoming traffic and continued east towards Hespeler Road.
Police ended the pursuit due to the dangerous driving exhibited by the suspect vehicle and the risk posed to public safety.
Through investigation, police determined that the vehicle had previously been reported stolen to Peel Regional Police on June 10.
No physical injuries were sustained during this incident, and the damaged police cruiser was removed from service.
If the subject vehicle is observed, please do not approach and contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
