Numerous charges laid following robberies and multiple collisions

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit has laid a series of charges in connection with a long list of events that all occurred April 17, 2015.

On April 17, 2015, at approximately 0930 hrs, a pickup truck, since reported having been taken without consent, was reported to be driving erratically in the area of Canotek Road. The vehicle struck a fence in this area. The vehicle was then observed to smash through a gate at the end of Rebecca Street in order to access the George Etienne Cartier Parkway. That vehicle then forced another vehicle off the roadway and a collision occurred. The suspect threatened the other driver at that time and then also tried to forcibly remove him from the vehicle. When the driver of the uninvolved vehicle was threatened, he exited his vehicle. The suspect then left the scene in the stolen vehicle. While travelling along the parkway, the suspect cut off and stopped another vehicle. The suspect attempted to take that vehicle but was unsuccessful.

A short time later, the suspect arrived along Joliette Street. The suspect abandoned the stolen vehicle and then drove off with a milk truck that had been parked adjacent to a convenience store for a delivery. At this time, the delivery driver was in the rear of the truck. The suspect stopped along Charlevoix Street where the suspect came across a construction worker and attempted to rob the worker of his vehicle keys. The worker and the suspect scuffled before the suspect abandoned this attempt and returned to the milk delivery truck.

Police located the stolen truck and brought it to a stop along Cathcart Street. The driver was arrested at that time. One police officer suffered minor injuries when his cruiser was struck by the truck in the attempt to bring it to a stop.

The delivery driver was taken to hospital for assessment and was later released. The suspect was also taken to hospital, was assessed, and was returned to police custody a short time later.

Along the route taken by the truck, numerous other vehicles, fences, at least one light standard were all struck. Additionally, portions of the load of the milk truck flew from the truck and struck other vehicles.

On Friday April 17, 2015, Michael Williams, age 32 of Ottawa, was charged with the following offences:

* Two counts of robbery

* Theft over $5000

* Breach of probation

The suspect appeared in court April 18, 2015, and was remanded into custody. On April 21, 2015, the following additional charges were laid:

* Take motor vehicle without consent

* Two counts of dangerous driving

* Flight from police

* Impaired operation by drugs

* Eleven counts of Failure to remain

* Five counts of Mischief under

* Attempted robbery

* Assault with a weapon

Mr. Williams appears next on April 22, 2015.

Anyone with information with respect to these robberies, or any other robbery, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5116. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.

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