Mounties use paddle boat to rescue suspect

Mounties used a paddle boat to rescue a fleeing suspect who jumped into Lake William while trying to evade arrest early Wednesday morning.

Just before midnight, Halifax RCMP got a call from Halifax Regional Police about a red Mazda sedan stolen from West Hants that had been seen driving at high speeds in the city throughout the day.

Police say the vehicle narrowly avoided several collisions, and its driver refused to stop for HRP officers.

After spotting the car speeding on Waverley Road around 12:30 a.m., a spike belt was successfully deployed, only for the driver to keep going.

Called to a report of two suspicious people in the area of Lakewood Drive 15 minutes later, the RCMP showed up and safely arrested a 30-year-old woman, while the second person, a man, took off on foot and jumped into the lake.

Police say he began swimming towards the middle, at which time he began to struggle and asked police for help, prompting the officers to locate a nearby paddle boat, which they used to rescue the man and take him into custody.

In Dartmouth provincial court on Wednesday, Cheverie’s Johnathan Lee Boudreau, 39, was charged with:

■ Dangerous operation (driving);

■ Flight from a peace officer;

■ Possession of property obtained by crime;

■ Operation while impaired;

■ Failure to comply with an order (four counts);

■ Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s licence (Motor Vehicle Act);

■ Driving a motor vehicle without motor vehicle liability Police (Motor Vehicle Act);

■ Operating unregistered vehicle (Motor Vehicle Act).

He’s due back in court on the morning of April 4.

The woman was released without any charges.