Alleged truck thief attacked Good Samaritans

A Calgary man, alleged to have assaulted two people who tried to help him after a crash, has been charged in a series of hit and runs on New Year's Eve.

A man stole a black 1997 Chevrolet truck from a garage in the 5100 block of Brisebois Drive N.W. on the afternoon of Dec. 31, then crashed into two vehicles at the intersection of Shaganappi Trail and 40th Avenue N.W.

The truck left the scene and collided with two more vehicles near the 4400 block of 53rd Street before smashing into a power pole near Varsity Drive, said police on Monday.

Two witnesses ran to the driver's aid, but he allegedly swung a tire iron at them and then hit them with pepper spray, said police.

A third witness, who arrived shortly after, was able to keep the driver at the scene until police arrived.

The responding officer approached the driver who pointed a power drill at him, said police. When the suspect refused to comply with commands to drop the weapon, a stun gun was deployed but the man remained in the vehicle.

The officer was able to arrest the driver after pulling him through the passenger window and a short struggle.

The suspect was taken to hospital "as he appeared to be under the influence of drugs," said police. He has since been released and taken into custody.

A 27-year-old Calgary man is charged with 19 weapons and traffic-related charges.

The two witnesses who were pepper sprayed, as well as victims in the hit and runs, suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.