Investigation of a Stolen Vehicle by the Cornwall Community Police Service and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service leads to the seizure of 60,000 Cigarettes by the Cornwall RCMP Detachment

(Akwesasne, Ontario - June 23rd, 2008) - On June 15th, 2008, a Cornwall resident noticed that her friend’s 2000 Chevrolet Impala had been stolen from her residence located on Third Street East in Cornwall, Ontario. The registered owner of the vehicle reported it stolen to the Cornwall Community Police Service in the early hours of June 16th, 2008.

Shortly after, an officer from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service observed the stolen vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Island Road in Akwesasne, Ontario. The officer located the vehicle parked at a residence located on Island Road and observed the male driver trying to hide his identity. The driver then immediately drove in reverse from the driveway at which time his vehicle struck the push bar of the police vehicle. The driver attempted to flee with the vehicle but was not successful as his vehicle became locked with the police vehicle causing damage to both. After the cloud of smoke disappeared, the driver had fled on foot and could not be located. The two female passengers were apprehended after trying to flee from the vehicle.

Officers noticed that the rear seats had been removed and observed several cardboard boxes of cigarettes in the rear of the vehicle. The two 21 year old female passengers, both residents of Cornwall, Ontario, were arrested for allegedly being in possession of stolen property and were turned over to the Cornwall Community Police Service for investigation. During the investigation, officers from the Cornwall RCMP detachment were contacted and seized 300 re-sealable bags of contraband cigarettes which represents 60,000 cigarettes valued at $6,600.

The identity of the driver is still unknown but the investigation continues. The vehicle, which is valued at $2,575, was also seized by the RCMP. The cigarettes are believed to have been manufactured in the United States.

“We are continuing to see people take desperate measures to avoid being stopped by police while they commit criminal offences” states Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP. “Public Safety and security is our fundamental priority.”