Fleeing thief – possibly armed – leads police on futile chase in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE — A fleeing thief — who may be armed — had police on the run overnight Monday.

Police from Huntsville and Almaguin were aided by ERT members in a hunt for the driver of a stolen vehicle early Monday.

Provincial police say that on August 20 officers from the Huntsville OPP got notice of an outstanding stolen vehicle seen in the area of Grandview Dr. and Highway 60.

Police in Huntsville and Almaguin have been attempting to find the vehicle that was involved in break, enters and thefts in the area, they say in a release. 

Thefts include not only the Dodge Ram pickup truck with an Ontario marker AF49369, but ATV’s, utility flatbed trailer, SeaDoos, numerous other small engine type items and firearms. 

A GMC Suburban that was found burned on Hutcheson Beach Rd. on Sunday August 19, was confirmed to be stolen and involved in some of the thefts.

During the initial sighting at 6:35 p.m. Monday, Huntsville OPP members attempted to stop the stolen pick-up truck, but the male driving the pickup truck fled from the police. 

On two more occasions throughout the night the pickup truck was located, and he continued to flee from the members.  A trailer was initially being towed by the pickup truck, had been taken earlier in the day had two stolen ATV’s on it was later located in the Hunters Bay area of Huntsville.

Due to the concern for public safety with the possible possession of a firearm and the behaviour of the suspects driving, North East Emergency Response Team (ERT) along with Central Region Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU) Central Region K-9 and neighbouring detachment members assisted in attempting to locate the suspect. 

The suspect vehicle was not located, but many members of the public assisted in calling and advising of possible sightings. 

Police ask if anyone has video footage that confirms the vehicle in the area and identity of the driver in around Hunters Bay or Grandview Dr. is asked to contact Huntsville OPP. 

Huntsville OPP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this vehicle. It is important to remember that public safety is paramount in this investigation and the vehicle or the person is not to be approached, to contact 911 if located.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can submit your information online at www.p3tips.com or if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00. You can follow Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka on Twitter or Facebook.