A 22-year-old man is facing charges Sunday after allegedly stealing a pickup truck that then crashed down an embankment and burst into flames, prompting the evacuation of several nearby homes.
According to a press release from Huron County OPP, just after 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, police responded to the area of Kitchigami Road and Bluewater Highway, south of Goderich, Ont. for a report of a vehicle crashing down an embankment.
Upon arrival, police discovered a Dodge pickup truck had crashed into a cluster of trees and caught fire.
Officers attempted to extinguish the blaze, but high winds exacerbated the fire, causing it to spread from the truck to the immediate area, and causing damage to a nearby structure.
Several local fire and EMS crews were called to the scene, and several nearby residences were also evacuated.
One officer was treated for smoke inhalation, but was later released from hospital.
Police say the suspect driver allegedly fled prior to police arriving on scene, but was located and arrested at approximately 8:30 a.m. The suspect remains in custody at this time.
Emergency crews have cleared the scene and roads have reopened.
In a statement to CTV News London, OPP say a 22-year-old man of no fixed address has since been charged with the following offences:
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
The estimated cost of damages as a result of the fire remains unknown at this time.
Huron County OPP continue to investigate.
