Police catch man fleeing from stolen vehicle

A Windsor man faces numerous charges after an idling vehicle was stolen from a parking lot in Walkerville Tuesday night.

At approximately 10 p.m., patrol officers with the Windsor Police Service responded to a call in the 900 block of Wyandotte Street East for a reported vehicle theft, police said in a news release on Thursday.

Officers determined the victim had left a blue Lincoln unattended and running in a parking lot. Two men had entered the vehicle and fled the scene while the victim was inside a store.

Nearly two hours later, patrol officers in the area of Howard Avenue and Cataraqui Street saw the stolen vehicle with two people inside. The vehicle fled the area and police did not pursue it.

Police then received multiple reports that the suspect blue Lincoln was driving erratically. Police also learned the vehicle had come to a stop in the 400 block of Argyle Road.

Officers arrived and saw the male driver getting out of the vehicle. They advised the man he was under arrest, at which time the man took off on foot.

A foot pursuit ensued and the suspect was arrested a short distance later.

While being searched, the suspect became aggressive and attempted to flee the area on foot again. He was once again apprehended a short distance away.

Police believe a second suspect also fled from the stolen vehicle. That suspect remains outstanding.

The blue Lincoln was recovered with “significant damage,” police said.

Ronald Ward, a 27-year-old from Windsor, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and escaping lawful custody.

Police also issued the owner of the stolen vehicle a ticket for letting his vehicle stand unattended without removing the ignition key, which is contrary to a City of Windsor bylaw.

“This is a reminder to the public that leaving your vehicle unattended with the ignition keys inside is an offence and you may be charged,” police said.

Stolen vehicles are often used to commit further crimes and driven in a way that poses a risk to community members, police said.

Anyone with information can contact Windsor police at 519-2556700 ext. 4350, or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.