Saskatoon Police Service was called out to the city’s Mount Royal neighbourhood shortly before 8 p.m. last night and when they arrived at a home on Hamilton Place a man was dumping gasoline on and inside of a vehicle. Patrol officers observed him get into that vehicle and drive across a yard, through a fence, leaving the area.

The vehicle was located minutes later at a business on 22nd Street and Witney Avenue where the suspect was purchasing more gasoline.

Officer tried to make an arrest but the suspect locked himself inside the vehicle and drove off. Tire deflation devices were used at several locations and the driver did stop on two occasions. In one instance, in the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue North, the vehicle was put in reverse and rammed a patrol vehicle. The officers inside weren’t hurt.

The vehicle continued north on Warman Road and was successfully brought to a halt when two other patrol cars made contact with the vehicle, which is when police say the suspect tried to set the vehicle on fire using a car battery booster. He exited the vehicle, was described as aggressive and non compliant, and a K-9 dog did try to attempt an arrest but when unsuccessful, a CEW was deployed to take the individual into custody.

He is facing several charges in court today including uttering threats to cause death, assault, three counts of assault with a weapon, dangerous driving and possession of incendiary materials.

One officer involved with making vehicle contact with the suspect vehicle suffered a minor head injury and was checked by Medavie Health Services at scene.