A Glencoe man is facing charges following a crash in downtown Ridgetown.
As previously released, Chatham-Kent Police Service officials say on Tuesday, May 23 at 3:12 a.m. officers responded to a single motor vehicle collision in the area of Main Street and Albert Avenue in Ridgetown.
A vehicle had struck the storefront of Vern’s Century Barber Shop, causing considerable damage to both the vehicle and the building.
The estimated total damage value is $50,000.
Upon arrival of police, there was no one inside the vehicle and the investigation remains on-going.
Injuries sustained by the driver are unknown at this time.
Through investigation, police learned that a man in a light coloured pick-up truck was briefly parked within the Foodland parking lot on Tuesday, May 23 at approximately 3:12 a.m., around the same time the collision occurred.
This man, who was a potential witness, was observed approaching the driver involved in the collision to check on his well-being.
Police sought the public’s assistance, as they wanted to speak with the man, the potential witness, who approached the driver involved in the collision.
The day after the update released, the man/witness from the light coloured pick-up truck reached out to the investigating officer, as did several Ridgetown business owners.
Police say this collaborated effort assisted in the identification of the man/driver involved in the collision.
Through investigation, it was learned that in the early morning of May 23, 2017 the man/driver attended a person’s residence in Bothwell that is known to him and allegedly stole their car.
The car was an un-plated 1994 Cadillac STS.
The man/driver, whose license was already under suspension, allegedly drove to the town of Ridgetown.
As he approached the intersection of Main Street and Albert Avenue, he allegedly lost control of the vehicle and continued travelling across the sidewalk on the south side Main St.
The vehicle struck and damaged trees, cement barriers, steel planters and the storefronts of many businesses causing extensive damage to property as well as the stolen vehicle.
Damage is estimated at $50,000.
Once the vehicle came to a rest, the man/driver exited through the passenger-side window and left the area.
Early this morning at 2 a.m., a 27-year-old Glencoe man was located at his residence.
He was arrested and charged with the following offences:
– Theft of Motor Vehicle
– Possession of Property Obtained by a Crime over $5000
– Drive While Under Suspension
– Careless Driving
– Drive Motor Vehicle – Fail to Display Two Plates
– Fail to Remain
He was transported to Chatham-Kent Police Service Headquarters and later released with a court date of Tuesday, June 13, 2017.
Again, the Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to thank the citizens within this community for their help.
– Photo credit: Todd William Bailey
