WESTLOCK - A Westlock-area teen faces eight charges ranging from flight from police, to theft of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest after RCMP say he stole a pickup truck, crashed it and then fled hospital before he could be arrested.
Via a press release Westlock RCMP report that at 9 p.m., Oct. 24, they were called following the theft of a Dodge pickup truck in the area of 104th Street and 101st Avenue.
Following extensive patrols in the town and county, the stolen truck was spotted about an hour later driving north on Highway 44 and Township Road 610. After realizing he was being followed, RCMP say the driver accelerated away at a high rate of speed — police found the abandoned truck later that night located in a rural area where it had crashed.
Meanwhile, the subject had fled the scene and with the assistance of the RCMP Police Dog Unit, further attempts were made to locate him, but without success due to weather and wind conditions.
The following day, Oct. 25, officers continued their investigation into finding the suspect, who was eventually reported to be at the Westlock Healthcare Centre with minor injuries. Prior to police showing up the suspect fled the hospital, but was located a short time later and arrested.
Gavin Morrison, 19, stands charged with theft of motor vehicle over $5,000, possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a police officer, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, mischief under $5,000, resisting arrest and failing to comply with a probation order.
Morrison has been released from custody following a bail hearing and is slated to make his first appearance in Westlock Provincial Court Nov. 24.
