Shotgun-stealing suspect smashes police car window in rural Clarington in escape attempt

In a scene straight out a movie, a man arrested for stealing a shotgun from a north Clarington home smashed the rear window of the police car he was in and escaped, only to be re-apprehended by multiple officers called in to defuse what was a tense situation.

Durham Police were called to a break-and-enter in progress call Sunday morning to a residential workshop near Orono in Clarington’s northeast corner, where they found a man holding a shotgun stolen from the residence.

Multiple demands were made before the 37-year-old man complied and dropped the gun. He was then taken into custody “without incident” and placed in the back of a police car.

As the man was being transported, he broke the rear window of the cruiser and jumped out. Multiple police units were nearby and took the suspect back into custody.

It was later determined the car he had driven to the residence was stolen.

Allan James Johnson of No Fixed Address is charged with break-and-enter and theft of a firearm and two other gun offences, escaping lawful custody, mischief and several breach of release orders.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with cell phone, dashcam, surveillance footage, or information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Dombroskie of East Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2068.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.