Van collides with police cruiser during tobacco-related chase

(Akwesasne, Ontario - September 8th , 2008) – On Sept. 4, 2008 at 8:32 p.m., an officer from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service followed a 1999 Dodge Caravan that was speeding on Island Road in Akwesasne, Ontario.  While being followed, the officer observed the van travel off the road in an attempt to evade the police.  When the van tried to get back onto the road, it collided with the police vehicle.

The driver of the van was then observed exiting his vehicle and was immediately picked up by an unidentified individual driving an All Terrain Vehicle and fled the scene.

Fortunately, the officer was not injured in the collision. 

Upon approaching the van, the officer observed several cardboard boxes of cigarettes inside and contacted the Cornwall RCMP Detachment for assistance and RCMP officers attended the scene.  The driver was not located and the investigation continues.  The RCMP seized a total of 1,500 resealable bags of cigarettes, which represents 300,000 cigarettes estimated to be worth $33,000.  It is believed that the cigarettes were manufactured in the United States.  The 1999 Dodge Caravan, estimated to be worth $3,075, was also seized.