WINGHAM – A North Huron resident is facing several charges following a string of events that took place last month in Wingham.
Huron County OPP say the series of events started off on Jan. 13 shortly after 6:30 a.m. when officers received a report of a shoplifter that stole some candy bars at a gas station located on Kerr Drive.
“When confronted by a store employee about the theft the accused hurled some of the chocolate bars at the store employee and took off on foot,” stated police.
Police say the accused then went across the street to another gas station, where he proceeded to steal a vehicle that was left running while the driver was in paying for a fuel purchase.
“The accused then took off in the stolen vehicle, however he didn’t get too far as he failed to negotiate a turn and crashed the sport utility vehicle into a tree on Augusta Street,” stated police.
Shortly after the crash, officers arrived on scene and arrested the accused.
Police say officers also noticed the accused was displaying several signs of impairment by a drug. In addition to the arrest for the stolen vehicle and shoplifting, the accused was arrested for impaired operation.
According to police, it was learned following the arrest that the accused was failing to comply with a probation order, and that he was driving a motor vehicle while prohibited.
Charged is Shane Smith, 35, from North Huron. Smith has been charged with:
- theft under $5,000;
- assault with a weapon;
- theft of a motor vehicle;
- operation while impaired;
- operation while prohibited; and
- three counts of fail to comply with probation order.
Smith remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for Feb. 11 in Goderich.
