Amherst Police have arrested a man in connection with a March incident that began with a shoplifting report and escalated into a vehicle collision and subsequent investigation.
Police say Craig Pike, 42, of Truro, NS, was taken into custody on April 8 following an investigation into events that began on the evening of March 10.
According to police, officers were called to a business on Robert Angus Drive shortly before 10 pm for a report of shoplifting. The suspects had already left the scene in a vehicle, and a description was provided to responding officers.
Police say the vehicle was later spotted on South Albion Street heading toward the downtown area. Officers attempted a traffic stop but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Due to safety concerns, police say they discontinued the pursuit.
The vehicle continued into the downtown, where it struck another vehicle on Prince Arthur Street before leaving the scene. It was later found abandoned on the highway and seized by police.
As the investigation continued, police identified the individuals believed to be involved.
On April 8 at approximately 7:20 p.m., officers located one of the suspects in a vehicle heading toward Amherst. Police conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Robert Angus Drive and Church Street.
Police say Pike, who was a passenger in the vehicle, fled on foot before being arrested after a short pursuit. A TASER was deployed during the arrest, and police say he was taken into custody safely.
Pike is facing six charges in total, spanning incidents on March 10 and April 8. These include flight from police, dangerous driving, leaving the scene of an accident, breach of a release order, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer.
He was held in custody overnight and appeared in court on April 9.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the Amherst Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
