Officer dragged by driver of stolen vehicle during attempted arrest in Milton

A police officer was dragged approximately 50 metres during an attempted auto theft in Milton last week, Halton Regional Police said.

Officers were called to the Woodward Avenue and Thompson Road North area at around 3:15 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2024, after a group of suspects tried to steal a 2024 Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck.

It’s alleged that when police arrived, some of the suspects fled on foot. An officer was attempting to arrest a male suspect in the stolen vehicle when they were dragged approximately 50 metres before falling to the ground.

The police officer suffered minor injuries as a result.

The suspect driver escaped and eventually fled from the vehicle on foot. Police said he was located and arrested in the backyard of a neighbouring residence.

The accused was identified as 23-year-old Takiyoudine Oumerzouk of Montreal, Que. He’s been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, obstructing a peace officer, and failure to comply with a release order.

A Halton Regional Police spokesperson said at the time of his arrest, Oumerzouk was on a release order with conditions not to leave Quebec. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

Additional suspects remain wanted.