Driver in 90s minivan rams police cruisers during chase

A Winnipeg Police Service cruiser is shown in an undated file image. (CTV News Winnipeg)

A man driving an early 90s minivan allegedly rammed police cruisers during a chase Thursday night.

It was just before 10 p.m. when Winnipeg police got a report of a ‘distressed’ 44-year-old man driving a 1993 Ford Aerostar erratically in different Transcona parking lots.

The driver was reportedly heading outside the city limits and had made concerning comments about the safety of himself and others, police said.

About 20 minutes later, officers spotted the Aerostar heading south on Lagimodiere Boulevard and Elizabeth Road, but the driver refused to stop.

Police said officers then tried to forcibly stop him on Highway 59 near the turnoff to Ile Des Chenes. That’s when, according to police, the driver rammed the old minivan into two police vehicles, sending one sliding into the ditch. Police said this left two officers with minor injuries.

The chase finally ended shortly after police stopped the van near Ile Des Chenes and took the driver into custody.

The man is now facing four counts of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, as well as one charge of flight while being pursued by a peace officer and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

The charges and allegations against him have not been tested in court. Police said the man was detained in custody awaiting further disposition.