Massive search launched after Wingham cop assaulted, cruiser stolen and crashed in Listowel

Multiple police forces, police dogs, and helicopters are on the lookout for a man who instead of stopping for police, assaulted an officer and stole a police cruiser.

Just before 6 a.m. Monday, a Wingham police officer stopped a stolen Ford F-450 pickup truck close to Bluevale in Huron County. Police say during the interaction, the suspect assaulted an officer and took the officer’s marked patrol vehicle.

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The suspect headed west on Highway 86 and crashed the cruiser into a tree on Barber Avenue North in Listowel. He was last seen running eastbound on Binning Street East.

Police described the suspect as a man in his early 30s with a thin build and short dark hair, wearing a black and red shirt.

No other information was released and police do not believe the suspect poses immediate safety concerns to the public.

Still, police ask citizens to remain alert.