Investigation into a stolen auto early this morning has resulted in the arrest of a 25 year old Regina male. In the course of this investigation and apprehension, police engaged in a brief pursuit and deployed two spike belts in efforts to stop the fleeing suspect vehicle. The arrest also included the discharge of a Conducted Energy Weapon, or CEW, commonly known as a taser. The Regina Police Service has committed to notifying the public each time a CEW is discharged against a person.
Before this incident began, the vehicle: a 2008 Hyundai Tucson, was reported stolen, sometime the night of January 18-19, from a residence in the 900 block Atkinson Street. On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 4:45 a.m., a vehicle, matching the description of the stolen vehicle, was spotted in the area of 6th Avenue and Elphinstone Street. A spike belt was successful in deflating the front tires of the vehicle, but the driver would not stop for police. A brief pursuit was called off as the vehicle entered the downtown area, but the various police units involved maintained sight of the vehicle. A second spike belt was successfully deployed, resulting in the vehicle coming to a stop safely, in the area of 8th Avenue and McIntyre Street. The male driver of the vehicle appeared to prevent the female passenger from exiting the vehicle a number of times. Officers deployed OC spray and, as the two occupants exited the vehicle, the male driver placed the female in front of him with his arm across her neck. A CEW was deployed against the male suspect. He was taken into custody without further incident and cleared by EMS. The male was subsequently charged.
Twenty-five year-old Nathaniel Vincent RUNNS, of Regina, is charged with;
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000. [355(a) CC];
- Flight While Pursued by Peace Officer [249.1(1) CC];
- Forcible Confinement [279(2) CC]; and
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance (cocaine) [4(1) CDSA].
RUNNS made his first court appearance on these charges in Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
The use of the CEW has been documented as per policy and will be reviewed by a Use of Force Committee – a committee within the Service. All uses of force are also reported to the Saskatchewan Police Commission – a provincial oversight body, independent of the Regina Police Service.