The Winnipeg Police Service has charged a man due to his alleged involvement in a crash that damaged five police cruisers and triggered a chase on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Wayne Daniel Rennie, 24, of Winnipeg faces 12 charges, including assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and resisting a peace officer.
Rennie remains in custody.
Police released more details of the crash and chase on Tuesday.
They say a suspect driving a 2007 International cube van was pulled over at a traffic stop around Emily Street and Notre Dame Avenue at around 8:45 a.m. on July 20.
The man was given a ticket for driving while talking on a cellphone. Police said he was upset, but there was nothing to predict what would happen next.
Around 11:10 a.m., the suspect smashed into five police cruisers parked outside the police Public Safety Building, causing between $80,000 to $100,000 worth of damage.
The suspect left and drove west out of Winnipeg.
Around 12:15 p.m., police said the suspect swerved into oncoming traffic on Highway 1 towards a police cruiser.
The police were able to avoid collision.
The van was eventually stopped and the driver was taken into custody.
Police said Rennie faces the following charges:
• Mischief over $5000.00 x 5
• Assault a peace officer with a weapon x 2
• Dangerous operation of motor vehicle
• Flight while pursued by peace officer
• Resist peace officer
• Fail to stop a scene of accident
• Fail to comply with probation order
