A Windsor couple that robbed Affinity Distinctive Jewellery of $25,000 in diamond rings yesterday were caught and taken into custody within two hours of the crime.
Police said a man entered the St. Clair Street business shortly after five, asked to look at engagement rings and then grabbed two trays of rings and fled the store in a vehicle driven by a woman.
Police located the vehicle on Tecumseh Line, south of Tilbury less than an hour later but the Grand Am, with the man now driving, refused to stop.
With police in pursuit the car drove through a field until he reached a driveway and made it back on to the roadway, striking a street sign along the way.
Despite the damage to the front end of the vehicle, the man continued to drive in a dangerous manner and almost struck a police cruiser. The officer had to take evasive action to prevent a collision. For public safety reasons, police terminated the pursuit
A short time later, the vehicle was stopped in Belle River and the pair was arrested.
While being searched, the male was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.
It was determined the car had been stolen from Windsor earlier in the afternoon.
The 30-year-old Windsor man has been charged with possession of property obtained by a crime under $5000, theft over $5000, possession of property obtained by a crime over $5000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police and drug possession.
The 34-year-old Windsor woman has been charged with possession of property obtained by a crime under $5000, theft over $5000 and possession of property obtained by a crime over $5000.
Both have been held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Constable Mike Weedon at michaelw@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extensions #87046. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
