Public assist, officers arrest pepper-spray suspect
Belleville police would like to thank the public for assisting in an investigation which led to the arrest of a 34-year-old city man in relation to a harrowing incident in a city neighbourhood.
Last week, officers were called to an address on Liddle Lane after a male pedestrian appeared to randomly damage a parked vehicle, then spray the owner with pepper spray when confronted.
The male suspect also attempted to spray a neighbour who came to the aid of the vehicle owner. An investigation into the incident revealed the male had also damaged a second vehicle on the roadway.
Late last week, police arrested and charged a male suspect.
Charged with two counts each of Assault with a Weapon and Mischief is Thomas Albert Donnan, 34, of Belleville.
Following a bail hearing on August 9, 2024, Donnan was released from custody on an undertaking with conditions.
ORIGINAL RELEASE (August 7, 2024)
Vehicle vandalized, owner pepper-sprayed
Police are looking to the public for assistance in identifying a male suspect following a violent incident in a northeast city neighbourhood earlier this week.
Shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday a woman arriving at her Liddle Lane home parked a vehicle in her driveway. At the time she parked, the vehicle was slightly on the sidewalk.
A male walking past the vehicle a short time later stopped and made a point of scratching the vehicle with a sharp object, which was believed to be a knife.
After witnessing the incident, the female vehicle owner exited her home and following the male down the street advising him to stop.
The male turned and sprayed her with what is believed to be a form of pepper spray. As a neighbour ran to her aid, the male suspect attempted to spray the Good Samaritan as well.
The male is described as around 5’11” tall, white with no shirt, red shorts and sneakers. He was last observed running through the parking lot of the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.
An image of the male suspect is pictured below.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating officer Const. Mike McCurdy at mmcurdy@bellevilleps.ca or Crime Stoppers at 613-969-8477.