N.B. man facing charges after allegedly fleeing from Amherst police in stolen vehicle

A photo of the Amherst Police Department on July 3, 2024. (Alana Pickrell/CTV News)

A 31-year-old New Brunswick man is facing charges after police say he fled from officers in a stolen vehicle in two separate incidents in the Amherst, N.S., area.

The Amherst Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Normand Gautreau in connection with the first incident, which happened on March 30 around 2 a.m.

Amherst police say officers found an occupied vehicle parked in the town’s industrial park and boxed it in using three police vehicles.

“The driver, who appeared to be sleeping awoke and rammed two police cars and was able to push the vehicles enough to escape, fleeing at a high rate of speed. One of the officers, who had approached the driver’s side windows, was able to identify the driver,” reads a new release from the Amherst Police Department.

The vehicle had been reported stolen from Dieppe, N.B., on March 23.

Almost a month later, Amherst police responded to a gas theft at a local business around 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Officers reviewed video and identified the driver, noting the vehicle licence plate and the vehicle itself had both been reported stolen in New Brunswick.

Around 5:30 p.m. the same day, police say an off-duty officer saw Gautreau and the vehicle in a marsh area outside of town. The officer contacted members who were on duty and took measures to block and stop the vehicle.

“The vehicle fled the area from Police as they arrived, but was forced off the road by an unmarked police vehicle that was coming from the opposite direction. The accused exited the vehicle and a foot-chase ensued. The TASER was deployed successfully and the accused was taken into custody without injury,” reads the release.

Gautreau is facing the following charges stemming from the incident on March 30:

• dangerous driving
• fleeing police
• driving while prohibited
• damage to property over $5,000
• damage to property over $5,000
• fail to stop at accident
• two counts of assault with a weapon
• resist arrest
• possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000

Gautreau is facing the following charges in connection with the incident on Sunday:

• dangerous driving
• fleeing police
• driving while prohibited
• damage to property
• fail to stop at accident
• two counts of possession of property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000
• theft of fuel
• resist arrest

Gautreau appeared in court on Tuesday and is scheduled to reappear in court for a show cause hearing Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

The Amherst Police Department is asking anyone with information related to the incidents to call 902-667-8600 or give an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.