Business owner blocks escape of attempted AC unit thieves in northern Ont.

Two suspects trying to steal an air conditioner from a recycling bin in Elliot Lake last week had their getaway blocked by the owner of the business. (File)

Two suspects trying to steal an air conditioner from a recycling bin in Elliot Lake last week had their getaway blocked by the owner of the business.

The incident took place July 12 just before 7 p.m. on Kilborn Way when the business owner arrived with a friend in a pickup truck.

“Once on the property, they observed an all-terrain-vehicle approaching them with two suspects on board carrying an air conditioning unit,” Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Monday.

“The business owner blocked the ATV from leaving the property with their pickup truck ... Words were exchanged and one of the suspects -- who is known to police -- assaulted the owner's friend, punched the pickup truck's mirror while fleeing the scene on the ATV and may have been possibly impaired by drug.”

After reviewing security cam footage, police located the ATV a short time later outside a residence on Chalmers Crescent.

“The driver was subsequently arrested outside that residence and transported to Elliot Lake detachment for further testing,” police said.

“Once there, the accused refused to comply with the drug recognition expert's demand. The owner of the ATV was later advised their ATV was impounded for 45 days.”

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A 51-year-old from Elliot Lake has been charged with theft under $5,000, resisting arrest, failing to comply with a demand, two counts of driving while suspended and driving a non-passenger ATV with a passenger.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Aug. 15.