Five arrested, stolen cars recovered after police chase

RIVER JOHN — Mounties in Pictou County recovered two stolen cars and arrested five people following a police chase in the community on Saturday morning.

Around 9:30 a.m., the RCMP received word from the Westville Police Service that an attempted murder suspect wanted by New Glasgow Regional Police was fleeing Westville in a stolen Toyota Camry along with other occupants.

Just after 10 a.m., the Camry was seen travelling with a Subaru Forester, also reported stolen, and police attempted to stop both vehicles.

After some time, officers say both cars stopped on the road as people in the Camry piled into the Subaru before continuing to flee.

The chase was called off for public safety.

About 11:30 a.m., Mounties found the Subaru parked at a home on Sergeant Lane in River John.

Police say three suspects tried to flee the home in the car, however, the vehicle was rammed by a police cruiser and the three were subsequently arrested.

One of the suspects was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Officers then searched the home, arresting a 31-yearold Pictou County woman and a 44-year-old River John man, both with outstanding arrest warrants.

The woman was held in court custody to appear before a judge on March 11.

The man was released on conditions.

The three travelling in the Subaru, Jessica Anna May Richards, 27, and Brandon Joseph Ward, 28, both from New Glasgow, as well as 48-year-old Stanley Brian Knowles of Hants County, have all been charged with two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and two counts of flight from a peace officer.

All accused were held in custody and later turned over to the New Glasgow Regional Police in connection with their ongoing investigation.