Provincial police arrested and charged the driver of a stolen vehicle Monday after they allegedly tried to speed away from officers in a Collingwood parking lot and then crashed into a curb.
Collingwood and The Blue Mountains OPP arrested the suspect after she left the crashed vehicle and tried to run away on foot.
The scene played out on Sept. 9 around 2:30 p.m. when police were called to a retail parking lot on Mountain Road for a report of a suspicious vehicle.
When police approached the vehicle, the driver sped off, according to a news release from OPP.
Police say they didn't engage in a chase out of concern for public safety.
Soon after, police found the vehicle nearby in a residential area, where the driver had crashed it into a curb and ran away.
"After a short foot pursuit, the driver was located and arrested," states the OPP release.
Police say they confirmed the vehicle and licence plate had been stolen from the York Region area. Officers also found and seized a half-gram of cocaine, 13.9 grams of methamphetamine an expandable baton and bear spray.
The accused was also wanted on three outstanding arrest warrants from the Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police Service for "similar offences," police say.
As a result, Jessica Tullett, 29, of Shelburne, has been charged with the following offences:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Operation while prohibited
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of an identity document (four counts)
- Possession of break-in instruments
- Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine)
- Possession of a Schedule I substance (methamphetamine)
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Failure to comply with probation order (six counts)
- Flight from a peace officer
The accused was held for bail to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information, security or dash-camera footage of the incident is asked to contact the Collingwood and Blue Mountains OPP at 705-445-4321 or 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
