Truck theft suspect arrested in Halifax

Patterson faces a number of charges

A Westville man was expected to make a court appearance Wednesday in Dartmouth after allegedly fleeing Pictou County in a stolen vehicle.

Michael Anthony Patterson, 28, was arrested by Halifax Regional Police Tuesday evening when officers received a complaint of a disturbance at the Atlantic Compassion Club Society in Dartmouth, a medical marijuana dispensary.

Halifax police say Patterson allegedly became belligerent after he was refused service at the club for failing to have proper identification on him. He allegedly drove away erratically from the club in a stolen vehicle and returned a short time later when he attempted to get another customer to buy marijuana for him.

In doing so, police say Patterson allegedly flashed a firearm at the customer and threatened to use it. The firearm was later identified by police as a replica BB gun. He left the club again driving erratically in the stolen vehicle, but was located by police a short time later.

Halifax Police say Patterson allegedly tried to flee the area on foot by running into traffic but was soon brought into custody and arrested on multiple charges.

As a result of the alleged incident, he was charged by Halifax Regional Police with four counts of assault with a weapon, assaulting a police officer, using an imitation firearm during the commission of an offence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving a motor vehicle while prohibited, resisting a police officer in the execution of his duties, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, property damage and breach of recognizance.

Westville and Stellarton Police Chief Don Hussher said Patterson could also be facing charges in Pictou County from alleged incidents in Westville Tuesday morning.

Stellarton and Westville police issued a joint release saying a man stole a Ford F150 truck from Park Lane in Westville Monday evening and was involved in a hit and run in New Glasgow.

Hussher said the person evaded police in both towns and caused significant property damage by driving through yards.

The driver of the stolen F150 was allegedly involved in a crash on Cowan Street in Westville at 3:19 a.m. that caused a power outage in parts of the town.

A person left the scene on foot and police believe he went to Leil Cranes on Barkers Lane where he stole another truck.

Around 7:43 a.m. the suspect again evaded police on Cowan Street and allegedly caused more damage to properties. At around 7:58 p.m. police stopped following the suspect as the vehicle sped off west toward Alma on Highway 4.

Stellarton and Westville police issued a statement Tuesday afternoon asking anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers, but confirmed on Wednesday that Patterson had been arrested in Dartmouth in possession of a stolen vehicle from Leil Cranes.

Hussher said Westville and Stellarton police are continuing their investigation but it is possible Patterson will be charged with evading police, theft and damage to property in relation to the alleged incidents in the county.

Patterson was expected to be arraigned in Dartmouth provincial court Wednesday.