Arrest made after police cruiser damaged by stolen moving truck: police

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Wednesday Aug. 4, 2021, at 12:15 a.m. officers from 1 District Uniform Patrol were in the area of Welland Avenue and Dorchester Boulevard, in the City of St. Catharines, when a U-Haul moving truck collided with a parked tow truck. The vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Officers activated their lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Ultimately, the vehicle left the roadway and caused in excess of $20,000 damage to private property. The driver then intentionally struck a police cruiser causing $5,000 in damage. The suspect vehicle became inoperable, resulting in the arrest of the driver. Neither the suspect nor officer sustained any injuries.

Sean Gummerson (41 years) of Chelmsford, Ont., was charged with the following offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – contrary to section 355(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle – contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Flight from a peace office – contrary to section 320.17 of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Mischief over $5,000 – contrary to section 430(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Possession of break in instruments – contrary to section 355(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Fail to comply with release order – contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Fail to comply with probation order – contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada

Gummerson was held in custody and attended a bail hearing via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, in St. Catharines on Aug. 4, 2021.

Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed, this incident, is asked to contact Constable Cody Cole at 905-688-4111, extension 1008894.

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