(COBOURG, ON) –On May 27, 2016 at approximately 1:00pm two officers from the Northumberland detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a silver Acura for a seatbelt violation on Division Street in the town of Cobourg. The car pulled into a grocery store parking lot where the driver initially refused to identify himself then provided a false name to the officer.
He was arrested and found to be in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine and a homemade weapon comprised of a sock and a metal object.
The passenger was also arrested for possession of illicit drugs. A struggle ensued as that male attempted to flee the scene. After several attempts were made to control him, police deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) which ended in the successful arrest of that male causing him no injuries in the process. He was also found to be in possession of approximately $2,000 in cash.
As a result of the arrest of the passenger, one officer received minor injuries causing him to seek medical attention at an area hospital.
The driver, Michael RUTLEDGE age 34 of Cobourg, Ontario is charged with the following offences:
Possession of a Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (two counts)
Obstruct Peace Officer
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Personation
Plus other Highway Traffic Act offences
The passenger, Christopher NOSWORTHY age 21 of Scarborough, Ontario is charged with the following offences:
Assault Peace Officer
Assault with intent to resist arrest
Possession of a Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (two counts)
Possession of proceeds of crime
Both accused were held for a bail hearing scheduled for May 30, 2016.