A 49-year-old man who tried to make off with stolen gas, liquor and vehicle tires already had outstanding warrants when he was arrested, police said Thursday.
Neguac RCMP responded around 3:45 p.m. on April 6 to a report of someone stealing gas and alcohol from a business in Brantville, on the northeastern tip of the province near Miramichi.
Police say the suspect had also allegedly stolen a set of four wheels and tires from a business in Pointe-des-Robichaud, south of Caraquet.
“Through a subsequent investigation, police identified the individual as a 49-year-old man from Leech, N.B., who was wanted on three outstanding warrants of arrest for unrelated matters,” reads a news release from the New Brunswick RCMP.
The man engaged in a high-speed pursuit with police after officers found him shortly after inside a vehicle near the Tabusintac bridge.
Mounties say the man abandoned the vehicle in Esgenoopetitj and ran into the woods. He was arrested after trying to flee police on foot.
“He was brought to the detachment where he assaulted a police officer while exiting the police vehicle,” reads the statement from the New Brunswick RCMP.
Rénald Rousselle, 49, appeared in provincial court Tuesday, where he faced several assault charges and driving offences, including driving while suspended and assault on a peace officer.
Rousselle also faces charges of the following:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Refusal to comply with a demand made by a peace officer
- Failure to stop for police
- Resisting a peace officer
Police say he remains in custody before his next appearance in Bathurst Provincial Court on April 24.