PHILIPSBURG--A 32-year-old man, who knocked down a police officer, while fleeing from officers in a stolen car, has been arrested for attempted manslaughter and car theft.
Police spokesperson Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson said on Sunday that the man increased speed of the vehicle he had been driving when police officers ordered him to stop between 4:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday. In his attempt to get away the suspect knocked down one of the officers, who fell to the ground.
The suspect fled in the direction of Mary’s Fancy at very high speed. A brief high-speed chase ensued through the Mary’s Fancy and Saunders area.
The police succeeded in blocking the path of the fleeing suspect, who still did not stop. In his attempt to further flee the man attempted to manoeuvre around the police vehicle, but lost control and hit the vehicle causing “severe damage” to both vehicles. The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was caught and arrested by the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
The suspect resisted arrest but was “brought under control” by the arresting officers. During a control of the vehicle the officers noticed that the wiring to the switch was cut and believes that it is probably stolen.
The suspect was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where he remains in custody for questioning. The vehicle in question has also been confiscated for further investigation.
The officer that was struck by the suspect has filed criminal charges against the driver.
