A wild police chase through the city of London has ended with charges laid against five people and a handgun being taken off the streets.
The Ontario Provincial Police say on Tuesday around 10pm, officers spotted an erratic driver in the area of Exeter Rd. and Wellington Rd. But, when officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle took off.
The vehicle was later seen on Exeter Rd. where officers tied to stop it by using a rolling block method. However, the vehicle struck a police cruiser, and the driver was again able to flee from police.
No officers were injured in the minor collision.
Officers eventually relocated the vehicle and following a search and investigation, it was learned that a number of suspects had entered a nearby hotel. One man was arrested at a nearby shopping plaza, and a loaded, semi-automatic handgun was then seized from a suite at the hotel.
Lucas Cardy, 24, of Brampton is now charged with obstructing a peace officer, flight while being pursued by a peace officer and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
Two women and two female youths from the GTA were also arrested in connection with the incident. The four have been charged with firearm-related offences. The names of the two women are not being released by police to protect the identity of the young girls.
Police say the accused all know each other.
An investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).