Youths charged after stolen truck crashes in Cambridge: police

Several youths are facing charges after Waterloo Regional Police say a stolen pickup truck struck a light post and became stuck in a park in Cambridge late Saturday night.

Police say officers were called to Waterworks Park in the city’s West Galt area around 11:40 p.m. following reports of a truck being driven across a baseball field.

Witnesses reported seeing five youths attempting to dislodge the vehicle by pushing it while its wheels spun, causing a nearby light post to fall.

When officers arrived, the group fled on foot. One suspect, a 19-year-old woman from Cambridge, was arrested on scene. Another youth, later identified as being under the age of 12, was also arrested but released into parental custody due to their age.

Three other youths attempted to flee by crossing the Grand River. One of them, a 13-year-old Cambridge boy, became stuck mid-river and had to be rescued by the Cambridge Fire Department using a water rescue boat. He was taken into police custody shortly after.

Police say the two remaining suspects made it across the river safely but were not found. Warrants have been requested for their arrest.

No injuries were reported.

Investigators later confirmed the truck involved had been reported stolen.

The 13-year-old boy is facing several charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking. Police say he was also wanted on a warrant for break and enter at the time of his arrest and was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The 19-year-old woman is charged with dangerous operation and possession of stolen property over $5,000. She is scheduled to appear in court on June 24.

The investigation is ongoing.