Man facing charges after driving towards police officer

A 21-year-old man is facing several charges — including dangerous driving — after accelerating his vehicle toward a police officer who was trying to get the vehicle to stop.

Saskatoon police say Saturday at around 9:30 p.m., a patrol officer was returning a stolen bicycle to its owner in the 500 block of Avenue G South. The officer heard a vehicle travelling northbound on Avenue G at a high rate of speed and stepped out into the road to wave the vehicle over.

The driver initially slowed down but then accelerated toward the officer, who jumped out of the way to avoid being struck.

The vehicle turned westbound on 18th Street. It was located on 11th Street where the driver failed to stop for police. A short pursuit was terminated as the vehicle continued westbound on 11th Street into the Montgomery neighbourhood.

The vehicle then crashed into a sign at Ortona Street and Currie Avenue and the occupants fled on foot.

The Saskatoon Police Service’s Air Support Unit was able to direct patrol officers to where the suspects were hiding. All three were arrested.

A 21-year-old man is charged with dangerous driving, evading police, refusing a breath demand, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and assaulting a police officer.

A 22-year-old woman is charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and was issued a cannabis summary offence ticket.

A 19-year-old man is charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and was also issued a cannabis summary offence ticket.

The woman was released from custody, while the two men were being held to see a justice of the peace Monday.