Van thief rams police car, tries to flee in cruiser

A man is facing numerous charges after ramming a police cruiser and fleeing from police in a stolen van in Oshawa.

On Wednesday, August 14 at  5:30 am, officers from East Division were dispatched to the area of Bloor Street and Grandview Street in Oshawa on reports of a stolen van. Officers located the stolen vehicle and attempted to pull it over. The driver failed to stop for police and struck one of the pursuing police vehicles.

The pursuit was discontinued for safety reasons. Police were contacted shortly after when the suspect vehicle was seen near Langstaff Road parked in a driveway. The suspect got into a foot pursuit and ended up shoving the officer into a ditch and attempted to flee with the police vehicle. The male was arrested at the scene. Officers found a small fire inside the stolen vehicle but it was quickly put out.

Officers located several articles of stolen identification. Investigators are asking residents that have video surveillance in the following neighborhoods to review their footage and report any thefts or suspicious activity on their property between the night of Tuesday, August 13 to the morning of Wednesday, August 14.

– Grandview Street South/ Olive Avenue – Oshawa
– Grandview Street South/ Bloor Street East – Oshawa
– Townline Road South/ Bloor Street East – Oshawa/Courtice

Adam Engst, age 40 of Eglinton Avenue East in Toronto, is charged with: Theft of Motor Vehicle over $5,000; Arson Cause Damage; Breach of Probation; Dangerous Operation; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000; Flight from Peace Officer; Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest; Leave Accident Scene Fail to Give Name; Drive Motor Vehicle – No License and Attempt Theft of Motor Vehicle.

He was held for a bail hearing.

If anyone has any information or footage pertaining to this incident, please contact D/Cst. Hilliard of the East Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1657.