Stolen Auto and Uttering Threats (COVID-19-related)

A 30 year-old Regina male is facing charges in relation to a stolen auto incident.  During the course of this individual’s arrest, it is alleged he threatened officers, saying he was positive for the COVID-19 virus, so in addition to the theft-related charges, he is also facing a criminal charge of Uttering Threats.

On Saturday, April 11, 2020, at approximately 11:41 p.m., members of the Stolen Auto Unit spotted a van driving at a high speed in the North Central residential neighbourhood.   The officers were not able to stop the vehicle or get plate information.  A short time later, a marked police unit was parked on 4^th Avenue, between McTavish and Argyle Streets, when a van swerved toward the occupied police car.  The officer was able to move the police vehicle to avoid being hit.  Just before midnight, the RPS Communications Centre received a call from a Regina resident indicating her vehicle had been stolen.  The owner gave a detailed description of her stolen van, which matched the description of the vehicle involved in the near-collision on 4^th Avenue.  With the help of the Stolen Auto Unit, the stolen van was located in the 1400 block of Rae Street.  The driver fled the vehicle and was arrested by Stolen Auto investigators, assisted by a Canine team.  While the suspect was being transported back to police headquarters, it’s alleged the male suspect told officers he was COVID-19-postive and indicated he would cough on them.  The male was not displaying any symptoms; however, officers used PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and took him into custody.  The male was subsequently charged in connection with the theft, his driving actions and the alleged threats.

Thirty year-old John Aaron McDONALD, of Regina, is charged with:

• Possession of Stolen Property under $5,000. [355(b) CC];
• Theft of Motor Vehicle [333.1(1) CC];
• Operate a Conveyance in a Manner Dangerous to the Public [320.13(1) CC];
• Uttering Threats [264.1(1)(a) CC]; and
• Assault a Peace Officer [270(1)(a) CC].

McDONALD made his first court appearance on these charges in Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020.