A 28-year-old Chatham Township man is facing more than a dozen charges after he allegedly tried to hit a police officer with his vehicle.
Chatham-Kent police said the officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Pain Court Line in Dover Township as part of a local Back-to-School safety campaign at around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday.
Police had reportedly noted a grey Mazda speeding in the area and had directed the driver to pull over, but as the vehicle approached the officer, the driver allegedly tried to hit the officer.
Investigators said the officer was able to avoid being hit and other officers at the scene tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled the scene.
Police said they were able to stop the vehicle a short time later on Irwin Street in Chatham and arrested the driver.
Further investigation showed that the man was bound by several prohibitions and conditions -- including a ban on driving. He was also reportedly wanted on several warrants.
Officers said when they searched the man, they found a replica-style handgun on him, which was also a violation of his release conditions.
As a result of the investigation, a 28-year-old Chatham Township man was charged with one count each of attempted murder of a police officer, assaulting a police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, failing to remain at the scene of a collision, mischief, driving while prohibited, and failing to comply with a release order.
He was also charged with two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order and five highway traffic act offences.
The accused was taken back to police headquarters and was set to be held there pending a bail hearing.
