The Morinville RCMP has laid numerous charges against a suspected impaired driver after a road chase ended with the suspect colliding into a Sturgeon County residence on Sept. 8.
Bradley Furness, 38, has been charged with eight offences including dangerous driving, possession of stolen property valued at more than $5,000, possession of break-and-enter tools, and breach of probation.
On Tuesday morning, the Morinville RCMP was alerted to a possible impaired driver near Gibbons. Upon checking, they discovered the vehicle's licence plate was stolen. With assistance from the public, they located the vehicle veering erratically on Hwy. 28. Although the police attempted to pull the vehicle over, the suspect refused.
Approximately 11 kilometres later, the vehicle ran off the road and crashed into a residence on Highway 642 east of Morinville at about 7:22 a.m.
“He skidded about 200 to 300 yards. He was going pretty fast,” said Cpl. Sheldon Robb of the Morinville detachment.
Robb stated the homeowners were awakened by the crash but fortunately were not hurt. There was, however, significant damage to the side of the house and the vehicle. The collision also wiped out a gazebo and two trees.
The suspect jumped out of his vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. RCMP Police Dog Services were brought in, and RCMP Air Services spotted the suspect crawling through a barley field in an attempt to elude police.
After police arrested Furness, they discovered the vehicle involved in this incident was also stolen.
In addition to RCMP Police Dog Services and RCMP Air Services, six officers from the Morinville detachment, two officers from St. Albert, and EMS ambulance provided support.
Furness has been remanded into custody. His next court date is Thursday, Sept. 10 in Morinville Provincial Court.
