**** RCMP Media Release
Cumberland County District RCMP charge two people in assault on police officers
Cumberland County District RCMP has charged two people in an assault on police officers after multiple incidents in Cumberland County.
On August 18, 2022, at approximately 10 p.m., Cumberland County District RCMP were made aware of a GMC Sierra Denali heavy duty pickup truck that had been stolen in Colchester County. The truck was equipped with OnStar and OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Assistance service. As a result, OnStar was able to help the RCMP track the location of the stolen truck to determine it was on Hwy. 104 in Cumberland County.
A Cumberland County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit member was travelling on Hwy. 104 when he observed the truck taking exit 6 into Oxford. The truck was observed by a Cumberland District RCMP officer and a traffic stop was attempted, however the truck fled at a high rate of speed. The truck was not pursued.
OnStar continued to track the truck and updates were being provided to Cumberland County District RCMP. A request was made to the Amherst Police Department for assistance as it was believed that the truck may head into Amherst.
As the truck continued on Hwy. 2, it took the on ramp at exit 4 and attempted to enter Hwy. 104. RCMP police cars had blocked the on ramp and officers were ready with a spike belt. As the truck approached the blockage, Amherst Police Department vehicles blocked off the ramp behind the vehicle so that it could not flee. The truck attempted to reverse off the ramp and struck an Amherst Police Department vehicle. The truck then drove forward, striking an RCMP vehicle before it veered into the ditch where it stopped.
RCMP and Amherst Police officers safely arrested the two occupants of the truck, the driver, a 26-year-old man and the passenger, a 31-year-old woman, both from New Brunswick. During the arrest the passenger kicked the arresting officers, however the officers were not seriously injured and did not require medical attention.
During a subsequent search of the truck, police located several Dewalt tools that had been reported stolen.
Francois Charbonneau was charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property under $5,000, Assaulting a Peace Officer with a Weapon, Flight from Police and Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance. Charbonneau was held in custody and appeared in Amherst Provincial Court on August 22, where he was released on conditions by the court.
Stephanie Williamson was charged with Possession of Stolen property over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property under $5,000 and Resisting Arrest. Williamson was held in custody and appear in Amherst Provincial Court on August 19, where she was released on conditions by the court.
Both will return to Amherst Provincial Court on September 26, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.
