Around 2:15 p.m. on January 15, 2022, a community member left their vehicle running with the doors unlocked and the key in the ignition while inside their residence. A woman walked into the driveway of the residence, entered the vehicle and took off with the car.

The community member immediately contacted Police and provided a description of the vehicle along with the direction that the vehicle was last seen being driven, as well as, a description of the woman who was seen getting into the driver’s seat.

An Officer located the vehicle running outside of the Tim Hortons in Chelmsford. Shortly after the Officer located the vehicle, the woman exited the Tim Hortons and began making her way to the car. Upon seeing the Officer, the woman took off running resulting in a short foot pursuit. While the Officer was attempting to place the woman under arrest, the woman kicked the Officer multiple times, however, the Officer was eventually able to secure the woman in handcuffs.

The woman was transported to Police headquarters where she showed signs of impairment. A Drug Recognition Expert attended in order to conduct a Drug Recognition Evaluation, however, the woman refused to comply.

As a result of the incident, the 33 year old woman was charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada;

  • Theft of Motor Vehicle
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Resist Peace Officer
  • Assault Peace Officer
  • Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs
  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand 

She was issued a 90-day Driver’s Licence suspension and was released on an Undertaking with a Court date of March 16, 2022 to answer to the charges.

We would like to remind community members that if you are warming up your vehicle or leaving your vehicle running while you are not inside the vehicle and you do not have a remote car starter, please consider using your spare key to ensure that the vehicle is locked. When a vehicle is left running with the key in the ignition and the doors unlocked, it only takes a matter of seconds for an individual to steal the vehicle.

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