Niagara police lay charges after suspect flees, crashes stolen vehicle in St. Catharines

Niagara police arrested and charged a man of Welland after a stolen vehicle crashed near Court and King streets in St. Catharines Thursday afternoon.

Officers say they saw a vehicle that was reported as stolen in the area at around 1:10 p.m.

The driver of the stolen vehicle tried to flee after police initiated a traffic stop, but immediately hit another vehicle. The suspect then allegedly tried to leave the area on foot, but officers had arrested him after a brief chase.

Investigators say the man was in possession of a loaded handgun, an amount of suspected cocaine and other property “indicative of drug trafficking.”

The driver of the vehicle that was hit by the suspect was treated in hospital for minor injuries. There were no other occupants in either vehicle involved.

Court Street between King and St. Paul streets have reopened after being closed for the investigation.

Braeden Tabbert, 26, of Welland has been charged with 17 offences, including carrying a firearm without holding a license, carrying a loaded regulated firearm, and for assaulting a peace officer.

Tabbert remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing at a St. Catharines courthouse Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009011.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Niagara online, or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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