Red Deer RCMP have charged a 23-year-old man with multiple offences after he collided with a police cruiser and two civilian vehicles in the East Hill Shopping Centre parking lot the morning of March 27th while attempting to evade police in a stolen truck.

The suspect was driving a black Ford Ranger that had been reported stolen out of Springbrook on March 26th; when police approached, the driver backed into the police car several times in an attempt to flee the scene.

Two civilian trucks assisted police by successfully boxing in the suspect vehicle; both trucks were also struck and suffered minor damage as a result.

The male driver and a female passenger then fled the scene on foot. The male driver was tracked by Police Dog Services while more police officers contained the area and temporarily closed Inglewood Drive to traffic.

The police dog quickly located the suspect hiding in a residential yard and took him into custody without further incident.

Johnny Howard William MacDonald, 23, has been charged with assault on police officer, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, resisting a peace officer and possession of stolen property under $5,000.

RCMP have identified the female suspect, and the investigation continues.

RCMP are grateful for the commitment by citizens in attempting to assist police in apprehending a suspect, and thank them for their help, but RCMP urge the public not to put themselves in harm’s way by engaging with any suspect whose actions indicate a willingness to use force to escape police.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. Those wishing to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.

– Fawcett