Spike belt needed to stop suspect after multiple break and enters: police

Ontario Provincial Police cruiser - FILE IMAGE (OPP_CR)

Barrie — Provincial police needed a spike belt to stop a suspect after they allegedly attempted to flee from officers twice following two break and enter calls from concerned citizens in Orillia and Ramara on Wednesday.

The first incident began when police received a call around 11:30 p.m. from a citizen who observed a suspicious vehicle at a construction site on West Street North in Orillia.

When officers arrived, police located a vehicle matching the description. However, the suspect left the scene "upon seeing police."

After police obtained a better description and the license plate, officers found the vehicle unoccupied on Rama Road.

While investigating in the area of Rama Road, police received the second call from a citizen who reported a suspect was "attempting to steal a snow machine off their property."

When police arrived, a motor vehicle was seen leaving the scene, but the Rama Police Service officers deployed a spike belt, "causing the vehicle to stop."

Police say the suspect fled the vehicle but was located in the nearby bushes and arrested.

The 33-year-old Orillia man faces more than a dozen charges, including nine counts of possession of property obtained by crime, flight from police, and break and enter.

The man was held in custody for a bail hearing.