Via APD release:
A 31-year-old New Brunswick man is in custody following an incident where the male allegedly fled from Police in a stolen vehicle.
Normand Gautreau, aged 31, was arrested on the evening of Sunday April 20th, 2025 after he allegedly fled from police and was forced off the road.
Prior to the incident on Sunday, a warrant of arrest had been issued for Gautreau in relation to an incident that happened in Amherst on March 30th, 2025 shortly after 2:00am. Amherst Police had located an occupied parked vehicle in the industrial park and took measures to box the vehicle in using 3 police vehicles. The driver, who appeared to be sleeping awoke and rammed two police cars and was able to push the vehicles enough to escape, fleeing at a high rate of speed. One of the officers, who had approached the driver’s side windows, was able to identify the driver. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Dieppe NB on March 23, 2025. Gautreau is facing numerous charges from this incident that include:
- Section 320.13(1) CC – Dangerous Driving
- Section 320.17 CC – Fleeing Police
- Section 320.18(1)(a) CC – Driving While Prohibite
- Section 430(4) CC – Damage to Property over $5000
- Section 430(4) CC – Damage to Property over $5000
- Section 320.16(1) CC – Fail to Stop at Accident
- Section 267(a) CC – Assault with a Weapon x 2
- Section 129(a) CC – Resist Arrest
- Section 354(1)(a) CC – Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000
On Sunday, April 20th, shortly after 11:00am, Police received a call concerning a theft of gas from a local business. Police attended and reviewed the video and identified the driver and noted that the vehicle license plate had been reported stolen in New Brunswick on April 15th, 2025. The vehicle in use had been reported stolen in New Brunswick on April 12th.
Later that evening, at approximately 5:30pm, an off-duty APD member observed the accused and the vehicle in the marsh area outside of town and contacted members who were on duty and took measures to block and stop the vehicle. The vehicle fled the area from Police as they arrived, but was forced off the road by an unmarked police vehicle that was coming from the opposite direction. The accused exited the vehicle and a foot-chase ensued. The TASER was deployed successfully and the accused was taken into custody without injury. This incident occurred in a remote area. As a result of this incident, Gautreau has been charged with:
- Section 320.13(1) CC – Dangerous Driving
- Section 320.17 CC – Fleeing Police
- Section 320.18(1)(a) CC – Driving While Prohibited
- Section 430(4) CC – Damage to Property
- Section 320.16(1) CC – Fail to Stop at Accident
- Section 355(a) CC – Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000 x 2
- Section 334 CC – Theft of Fuel
- Section 129 (a) CC – Resist Arrest
Gautreau was remanded and made a short court appearance on Tuesday April 22nd, 2025. He was scheduled to reappear in court for a showcase hearing on April 29th, 2025 at 0930am.
The Amherst Police Department often relies on assistance from the public in regards to matters that impact community safety and well-being. Anyone with information related to this or other incidents is asked to contact the Amherst Police Department at 667-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
