Officer nearly struck by motor vehicle during arrest

A police officer attempting to arrest a wanted man narrowly avoided being struck by the motor vehicle when the accused fled Thursday morning.

A member of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Traffic Unit was in the intercity area when they observed a vehicle registered to a male wanted on outstanding warrants at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6. The observation of the vehicle was made via the Automated Licence Plate Reader.

The officer conducted a traffic stop near the parking lot of the Real Canadian Superstore gas bar.

The officer approached the vehicle and confirmed the identity of the driver. The officer was also able to confirm the driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant for impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

Members of the TBPS’s Emergency Task Unit were also dispatched to assist with the arrest.

When the male was advised he was being placed under arrest, he resisted officer demands and a struggle ensued.

The wanted motorist began to drive forward, and just missed crushing an officer between their vehicle and a nearby cruiser.

The male then fled the scene. A pursuit was called off due to public safety concerns.

The officer was uninjured.

Police have identified the accused and are working toward completing the arrest.