A spike belt had to be deployed to stop two people accused of stealing gas from a Wawa station on Sunday.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the theft was reported by a service station on Mission Road around 4:30 pm Sunday afternoon, with an officer from the Sault Ste. Marie detachment spotting the suspect vehicle shortly before 6 pm - the vehicle was travelling southbound on Highway 17, and fled at a high rate of speed upon seeing the OPP vehicle.
Instead of pursuing the fleeing vehicle, police deployed a spike belt on Highway 17 near Goulais River, leading to the arrest of both people in the vehicle.
Police charged a 45-year-old man from Mission, British Columbia, with possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, theft under $5000 - shoplifting, dangerous operation, operation while prohibited, race a motor vehicle - stunt, and use plate not authorized for vehicle.
A 37-year-old woman of no fixed address was also charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 and theft under $5000 - shoplifting.
Both were held in custody for a bail hearing on Monday.