UMVA has learned that a dramatic car chase unfolded in Bowmanville on Sunday afternoon, leaving residents stunned and authorities scrambling to apprehend the suspect.
A 27-year-old man from Barbados is accused of stealing a Volkswagen sedan following an altercation, then recklessly fleeing from police, nearly causing multiple accidents before abandoning the vehicle in a farmer's field.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Durham Regional Police responded to an unknown trouble call in the area of Concession St. E. and Soper Creek Dr. around 12:15 p.m., which ultimately led to the high-speed pursuit.
The suspect allegedly drove the vehicle in a dangerous manner, weaving through traffic and putting innocent lives at risk, before finally abandoning the car and fleeing on foot in the area of Holt Rd. and Hwy. 401.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the suspect fled across live lanes of Hwy. 401 into a farmer's field, where police eventually located and took him into custody near Rundle Rd.
The suspect, identified as Kashif Niles, was taken into custody without physical injury and faces charges of theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that police are now seeking witnesses and urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those with cellphone, dashcam, or surveillance video footage that could help investigators piece together the events.
Anyone with tips may be eligible for a cash reward and can contact Det.-Const. Brazill of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1905, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.
