**** RCMP Media Release
Charges are pending against an impaired driver that resisted arrest and assaulted an RCMP member on May 19.
At approximately 9:50 p.m., a member of Annapolis County RCMP was on patrol on Hwy. 1 in Wilmot when a vehicle was noted driving suspiciously slowly. A query of the licence plate showed that it was stolen. The vehicle turned into a driveway and the driver got out.
The member approached and noticed signs of impairment. The driver was told that he was under arrest for Possession of Stolen Property and Impaired Driving. The driver then assaulted the member, got back into the vehicle and tried to flee with the driver’s side door still open. The member reached through the open door and attempted to remove the man from the vehicle. The man continued to drive forward, hitting the police vehicle, then backward, hitting a tree.
In an effort to end a dangerous situation, the member administered OC spray, also known as pepper spray. The driver then got out of the vehicle, assaulted the member again and took off into the woods on foot.
The RCMP Police Dog Team and Kings District RCMP searched the area but the suspect was not located.
The man was later located and arrested without incident. A 36-year-old man from Wilmot is facing charges of Possession of Stolen Property, Impaired Driving, Resisting Arrest and Assault of a Peace Officer and will be appearing in Digby Provincial Court this morning.
The member was taken to hospital for minor injuries. A ten-year-old who was in the car during the incident was also taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The incident caused minor damage to the police vehicle.
Anyone with who witnessed this incident is asked to contact Halifax District RCMP at 902 490-5020. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.