Windsor man charged in theft of rental truck

THUNDER BAY – A Windsor man faces charges after allegedly stealing a pickup truck from a local vehicle rental business, and assaulting an employee in the process.

The man, identified by police as Cody Hedges, 24, had attempted to rent the truck from a business in the 700s block of Memorial Avenue around 4 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Thunder Bay Police Service.

When the business refused Hedges service due to apparent outstanding complaints by U-Haul, he allegedly grabbed a set of keys, assaulted an employee, and fled the area with the stolen truck.

Police responded to a sighting of the vehicle on the 600s block of Squier Street just before 4:25 p.m., but it had left by the time officers arrived.

Police later located the vehicle in the 900s block of Carrick Street just before 6:30 p.m., seizing it and arresting the driver.

Hedges was transported to police headquarters and is charged with assault, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

He appeared in bail court on Friday, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.