Elgin County OPP and St. Thomas police are looking for information after two vehicles were reportedly stolen and a driver was then allegedly assaulted during a third attempted theft.
OPP say a black Mitsubishi was stolen from the Dutton Community Centre on Sunday afternoon between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The car had been left unlocked and the keys in the ignition.
Within 15 minutes, the car was spotted by police southbound on Sunset Road in the Talbotville area. OPP attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled into St. Thomas and the chase was discontinued in the interest of public safety.
St. Thomas police were alerted and the stolen car was recovered in the Rona Store parking lot shortly before 4:30 p.m.
Investigators say witnesses at Rona observed a large Native male exit the car and smash the passenger window of a red 1992 Chevrolet Astro van, smash the steering column, and then drive the van out of the parking lot towards First Avenue.
Shortly afterward, police were informed of an alleged assault in the Wal-Mart parking lot.
Police say the driver of the van had allegedly attempted to steal a Cadillac Escalade, but was interrupted by the vehicle's owner. During a confontation, the owner was allegedly struck in the head with a hammer. The suspect then fled in the Astro van.
Early Monday morning, Norfok County OPP informed St. Thomas police that an Astro van, believed to be the one involved in the incident, had been found burned.
Anyone with information in relation to these incident sis asked to contact the St. Thomas Police Service, OPP or Crime Stoppers.
