Niagara Regional Police say they were initially called to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Outlet Mall on Tuesday for reports of a man committing “criminal acts”, when he made a break for it causing a chase that ended up in London, ON.
It all began about 5:30 pm when police say security officers arrested a male suspect who then escaped into the parking lot, tried to break into parked vehicles and finally came upon a Mercedes with a female occupant that he threatened with a knife. The male also threatened a Good Samaritan who came on scene to help.
Fortunately the female was able to safely exit her vehicle and the Good Samaritan was unharmed, but the suspect left the lot in the stolen car.
Police said soon after, another member of the public reported his car had been broken into and his credit cards were used to make purchases at the mall.
The next day, Wednesday, OPP arrested a man on Highway 401 near with the stolen Mercedes near London, ON.
Michael Leroy Barrett, 28, of no fixed address was charged by Niagara police with theft under $5,000, three counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon, robbery, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failure to comply with a probation order.
The OPP also laid charges including dangerous driving, prohibited driving, failure to remain at the scene of an accident, resisting arrest and driving while impaired by drugs.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents at the mall are encouraged to contact police at 905-688-4111 ext. 2200.
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