Leamington man charged following alleged cross county crime spree

OPP sign at the Detachment on Manning Road in Lakeshore, Ont., on Thursday, May 11, 2023. (Melanie Borrelli /CTV News Windsor)

A 34-year-old Leamington man faces a long list of charges tied to allegations spanning four counties and a dramatic police pursuit.

On March 18, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) made an arrest after chasing a suspect across Clinton, Seaforth, and Dublin, in Lambton and Perth counties.

OPP say the suspect was driving in a minivan toward Huron County on Bluewater Highway before he ditched a minivan just south of Bayfield. Police say he then forced his way into a nearby home and stole a sedan to continue his travels.

Police tracked the vehicle with a helicopter and didn’t have any success in trying to pop the suspect vehicle’s tires.

It was officers in Huron County that finally brought the chase to an end, bringing the vehicle to a stop southbound on Base Line in Central Huron before a brief foot chase ended in handcuffs.

OPP have charged Jawad Hassan Skieneh with a long list of offenses spanning Essex, Lambton, Huron and Perth counties including robbery, assault, and firearm-related charges:

• Personating Peace Officer
• Robbery using Firearm (Restricted or Prohibited) - x 2
• Uttering Threats - Cause Death or Bodily Harm - x 5
• Danger Operation - x 3
• Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition - x 3
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Assault with a Weapon
• Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited device or ammunition - x 2
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose - x 3
• Flight from Peace Officer
• Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon - x 2
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose - x 3
• Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition - x 3
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Break, Enter dwelling house - commit indictable offence

According to police, there were no injuries involved although an OPP vehicle and the suspect vehicle suffered damage.

Police say, as a precaution, the suspect was taken to hospital for medical assessment.