REGINA, Sask. — Two men are in custody facing numerous charges after a stolen vehicle was driven through Regina at speeds up to 180 km/h and later crashed off a steep embankment near Lumsden, say police.
Shortly after midnight on Sept. 2, Patrol officers located a vehicle that had been reported stolen, driving dangerously around Victoria Avenue and Athol Street.
Patrol officers on the ground notified the Aerial Support Unit (ASU) and the team quickly got eyes on the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was travelling at speeds of up to 180 km/h as it drove through the city.
Due to safety concerns related to the high rate of speed, Patrol officers on the ground didn’t pursue the vehicle. ASU took over and tracked it from the sky.
The driver of the vehicle headed south of the city, continuing to speed down various grid roads before heading towards Lumsden. Once inside the town, the vehicle drove dangerously through the streets, nearly colliding head on with several other motorists.
The driver then turned onto the train tracks and attempted to drive down the tracks. A short distance down the tracks, the vehicle lost control and went off a steep embankment. The two suspects inside the vehicle ran from the collision scene.
Both RCMP and RPS officers began a search for the suspects. Working with ASU, officers including the RPS Canine Unit, quickly tracked and located one suspect who was hiding in the bushes a short distance away. The suspect refused to comply with officers and assaulted the Police Service Dog (PSD). The PSD bit the suspect during the apprehension. The suspect was eventually taken into custody.
The second suspect, the man driving the vehicle, was located in a building in the area and arrested without further incident. He was taken to hospital to be treated for, what appeared to be, minor injuries sustained in the collision.
As a result of this investigation, Christopher Novak, 42, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, dangerous driving, two counts of driving while prohibited, and break and enter with intent.
He was also arrested on outstanding warrants.
Terrance Desnomie, 32, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime valued under $5,000 and resisting arrest.
They appeared in Regina Provincial Court on Sept. 2.
