Saskatoon police say suspect stole taxi cab, assaulted driver before police chase that saw officers draw guns

Police chase in Saskatoon ends in vehicle damage, shots being fired Wednesday morning. (StaceyHein/CTVNews)

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is offering more details about a pursuit early Wednesday that left a trail of damage in its wake and saw officers draw their weapons before taking a suspect into custody.

Police say that during the nearly 40-minute pursuit, a 32-year-old man drove recklessly through the downtown and residential neighbourhoods during the morning rush hour. He also struck civilian vehicles and two police cars.

Douglas Gagnon witnessed the pursuit on his way to work. He said it was like a scene from a movie.

“I saw the SWAT truck following him with the lights flashing, and I thought, ‘Oh, there must be something going on,’” he told CTV News.

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He said an officer shot at the truck from the armoured vehicle.

“We were just passing the food bank, and I hear a big bang, like holy smokes,” he said.

According to police, the pursuit started just before 8 am Wednesday morning. Officers were called to Wiggins Avenue South and Cascade Street where a man reportedly stole a truck from a sewage company that was working in the area.

Officers found the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop.

The police service said officers made several attempts to stop the vehicle - which included two officers firing their weapons at it.

Police said multiple civilian vehicles were also damaged during the pursuit.

The man was eventually driven off the road on Circle Drive near Valley Road. He was taken out of the vehicle and transported to hospital for treatment for a dog bite shortly after.

The police service said the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was notified but since the suspect was not seriously injured, it does not meet the requirements for SIRT to investigate.

“We are thankful that this turned out the way that it did, and that there weren’t injuries reported or associated with that, either civilian or police officer,” said Kelsie Fraser, SPS spokesperson.

The police service said the incident remains under investigation and charges are still being determined.

According to Saskatoon police, prior to the chase at about 6:40 a.m. the suspect assaulted a taxi driver and stole their vehicle as well before striking a convenience store in the 1500 block of 22nd street.

“The suspect then entered the store, stole an undisclosed amount of cash, and deployed bear spray before fleeing on foot” police said.