waferboard / CC

Two New Brunswickers are facing numerous charges after an assault on police officers in Cumberland County.

On August 18, 2022, RCMP was made aware of a GMC Sierra Denali heavy-duty pickup truck that had been stolen in Colchester County.

The truck was equipped with OnStar and OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Assistance service, which assisted police in tracking the stolen truck to Highway 104 in Cumberland County.

The truck was seen taking exit 6 into Oxford and a traffic stop was attempted, but it fled at a high rate of speed.

OnStar continued to track the vehicle and updates were provided to RCMP.

A request was made to the Amherst Police Department for assistance.

As the truck continued on Hwy. 2, it took the on-ramp at exit 4 and attempted to enter Hwy. 104.

Police blocked the on-ramp and officers were ready with a spike belt.

The truck attempted to reverse off the ramp and struck an Amherst Police Department vehicle, and then drove forward, striking an RCMP vehicle before it veered into the ditch.

A 26-year-old man and the passenger, a 31-year-old woman were arrested.

During the arrest, officers were reportedly kicked, but no one was seriously injured and did not require medical attention.

Police also located several Dewalt tools in the truck that had been reported stolen.

Francois Charbonneau was charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property under $5,000, Assaulting a Peace Officer with a Weapon, Flight from Police and Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance. Charbonneau was held in custody and appeared in Amherst Provincial Court on August 22, where he was released on conditions by the court.

Stephanie Williamson was charged with Possession of Stolen property over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property under $5,000 and Resisting Arrest. Williamson was held in custody and appeared in Amherst Provincial Court on August 19, where she was released on conditions by the court.

Both will return to Amherst Provincial Court on September 26.