A bizarre incident Friday started with an alleged theft of gas from a gas station on Highway 11 in what's known as Gasoline Alley.
Soon after, Barrie Police received calls about a white van driving erratically. Thanks to reports from motorists, they were able to find the vehicle and began to follow it when they learned it was the vehicle involved in the theft of gas.
According to Barrie 360, Barrie Police followed the vehicle into Springwater Township where the van struck several cruisers; one officer was allegedly dragged a short distance and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Barrie officers continued to chase the vehicle as it fled toward Orillia, until the vehicle reached Penetanguishene Road. At that point, they backed off so the OPP could take over the pursuit.
The vehicle, a white full-sized van, then continued north on Highway 11 driving erratically and collided with a number of motor vehicles, noted a release from the Orillia OPP.
For some reason, the van pulled off the Highway 12 bypass on to Hurtubise Drive, which, ironically, is the entrance to the OPP Central Region Headquarters. The OPP General Headquarters is just across the back field.
Once the vehicle was stopped, the suspect was apprehended by police at around 3 p.m.
The accused is in custody and has been taken to Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. Several officers sustained minor injuries and have been taken to hospital as a precaution.
Motorists involved in the collisions on Highway 11 are asked to report to a Collision Reporting Centre.
Witnesses and anyone who may have dash cam footage of the incident are asked to contact Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
