THUNDER BAY – A 21-year-old suspect's inability to drive a stick shift kept him from fleeing far from police, resulting in him facing multiple charges after an early morning altercation.
Thunder Bay police first became involved when they were dispatched to the 100 block of Empress Avenue South at about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a weapons call.
The police service said a resident of a nearby Windemere Avenue South home saw a man attempt to break into his truck. The resident confronted the suspect, who fled. The resident then drove another vehicle – an SUV – in the direction the suspect was running, eventually catching up to him on Empress Avenue.
The suspect allegedly produced a knife when the resident exited his vehicle. The resident then fled back to his home to call police.
Police said the suspect attempted to drive away in the SUV but couldn't operate the standard transmission.
The suspect was located by police just before 3 a.m. and made an arrest. The suspect was said to have been combative with officers.
Kyle Dale Wescott is charged with assault with a weapon, two counts of assaulting a peace officer, assault with intent to resist arrest, trespass and theft over $5,000.
The suspect appeared in court on Tuesday and remains in custody.
