The police helicopter was put to use Saturday night as it followed two stolen vehicle pursuits, both of which resulting in collisions and arrests.
Just before midnight on Saturday Winnipeg police saw a stolen vehicle driving at St. Matthews Avenue and St. James Street. The driver attempted to flee from police, speeding and driving erratically.
Officers summoned the Air1 to assist in following the vehicle, police said in a news release Sunday.
As the driver continued to speed away from police, the car collided with two other vehicles, causing extensive damage to both. No one was hurt.
Soon after police deployed a spike strip which caused the vehicle to come to a stop in a snowbank in the 200 block of Rita Street.
“The driver of the vehicle immediately fled on foot but was located shortly after hiding in the 200 block of Ainslie Street,” police said in the release.
The 32-year-old driver was arrested and found to have outstanding RCMP warrants. He remains in custody.
About an hour later, officers spotted a stolen vehicle driving near Valour Road and St. Matthews Avenue and the police helicopter obtained a visual of it, which was driving dangerously.
“During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle collided with a Tactical Support Team vehicle at Burrows Avenue and Sgt. Tommy Prince Street, causing minor damage to both,” police said in the release.
A 33-year-old man faces a slew of charges, including possession of property obtained by crime, assault of a peace officer with a weapon and flight from police. He remains in custody.
