Sarnia woman faces charges after stolen vehicle crashes into tree

A 28-year-old Sarnia woman faces a number of charges after police say she stole and crashed a vehicle after leaving the courthouse, Tuesday.

A 28-year-old Sarnia woman faces a number of charges after police say she stole and crashed a vehicle after leaving the courthouse, Tuesday.

Police say the accused, who was at the Sarnia courthouse for an unrelated matter, spotted an unattended laptop and keys to a vehicle.

“After stealing those items, [the suspect] located the vehicle in the parking lot of the courthouse and drove away in it,” police said in a news release, adding that officers with the Sarnia Police Service Street Crime Unit (SCU) responded and located the vehicle outside of an apartment complex in the 900 block of Colborne Road.

“The suspect was still inside the vehicle as officers approached and attempted to place her under arrest,” police added. “After opening the driver’s door and identifying themselves as police, the suspect put the vehicle into drive and fled with no regard for safety. 

“Officers were forced to let go of [the suspect] to prevent being dragged by the vehicle.”

Police say the vehicle fled north from the apartments and struck a parked car before losing control and striking a tree. 

The suspect then attempted to flee on foot but was located and arrested.

The accused has been held for bail and faces the following charges:

• Theft of motor vehicle
• Flight from peace officer
• Dangerous operation
• Operation while prohibited
• Theft under $5,000
• Assault peace officer x2