Suspect driving stolen SUV rams into vehicles, Winnipeg bus while fleeing police: WPS

Police say a man driving a stolen SUV crashed into three vehicles and a Winnipeg Transit bus while fleeing police Friday evening in Transcona.

Police say they later arrested the 29-year-old suspect after a short pursuit and allegedly found drugs in the stolen vehicle.

William Edward Cyril Meade is facing nearly a dozen charges, including assaulting a peace officer, dangerous operation of a conveyance and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking. He was detained in custody.

Police say officers saw the confirmed stolen 2017 Ford Escape driving in the wrong direction in the northbound lanes of Plessis Road around 6:40 p.m.

Officers say they tried to stop the vehicle, at which point the driver quickly fled over the median, nearly colliding with the police cruiser and other motorists in the process.

The Winnipeg Police Service says the vehicle entered a parking lot on Regent Avenue near Owen Street.

Officers allege the suspect collided “with a passenger vehicle causing extensive damage and rendering it inoperable. The stolen vehicle continued to flee, exiting the parking lot and colliding with two additional passenger vehicles and a Winnipeg Transit bus rendering the stolen vehicle inoperable.”

No injuries were reported after the alleged collisions.

Police say during the arrest, the suspect assaulted an officer, who was not injured.

Police searched the vehicle, later determined to have been reported stolen the Stonewall area earlier Friday, and allegedly found methamphetamine, Xanax prescription pills and cannabis “shatter.”