A Sarnia woman is facing numerous charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle from the courthouse and fleeing in it from police, before crashing into a tree.
Officers with the Sarnia Police Services Street Crime Unit responded to the theft on Tuesday.
Police said the woman was at the courthouse on an unrelated matter, when she observed an unattended laptop and keys to an SUV.
Police allege that she took the items, found the vehicle in the parking lot, and drove away in it.
Officers found the vehicle quickly, outside of an apartment complex on Colborne Road, just north of Highway 402.
Police said the suspect was still inside the vehicle as officers approached it and they attempted to place her under arrest.
Once police identified themselves and opened the drivers' side door, it's alleged the accused put the vehicle into drive and fled with no regard for safety.
Officers let go of her to prevent being dragged by the vehicle, which headed north, struck a parked car, then a tree in the area of Coral Way and Denmark Street.
Police allege the woman got out of the vehicle and tried to flee on foot, but was swiftly located and arrested.
A 28-year-old woman is charged with theft of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation of a vehicle, operating a vehicle while prohibited, theft under $5,000, and two counts of assaulting a peace officer.
She was being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.
