A 22-year-old Sandy Bay First Nation man is in custody after allegedly being caught driving a stolen vehicle and fleeing from police.

Manitoba First Nation Police Service (MFNPS) says that on Monday, December 2, 2019, officers received a call for help from the RCMP about Grey Ford F250 pickup truck that had been stolen near MacGregor.

While MFNPS officers were patrolling the stolen vehicle sped past them. Police activated their emergency lights and siren and gave chase.

The suspect driver refused to stop and continued onto the main street in Sandy Bay. Police say that it appeared three people were in the vehicle. The vehicle lost control on the slippery road and slid int a ditch.

As an officer attempted to take the driver into custody he accelerated throwing the police officer into the ditch. The officer wasn’t hurt and began to chase the vehicle once more. The fleeing vehicle once again left the roadway and hit a ditch. This time the two passengers ran from the truck.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody.

Thaddeus Sutherland, 22 from Sandy Bay First Nation, was arrested and charged for his alleged involvement with Impaired operation of a motor vehicle, Refusal of Breath Demand, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000, Flight from Police, Assault Police Officer with a Weapon Causing Bodily Harm and Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm.

Police say that one of the passengers who ran from the vehicle is thought to have been wanted by both the RCMP and MFNPS. Edward (BJ) Sutherland has several outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Sutherland is asked to call police at 204-843-7701 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

© News4.ca 2020