THUNDER BAY — A city man who got his vehicle stuck in a snowbank is facing multiple serious charges.
Thunder Bay Police said they were alerted at 1:30 this morning that a vehicle was hung up in a snowbank on Egan Street at Leys Street.
A responding officer found the vehicle locked with the driver still inside but unresponsive, while the engine continued to run and the wheels spun in the snow.
After the officer gained entry through the passenger door, the man woke up and tried to drive away, then began assaulting the officer.
During the altercation, he produced an apparent firearm and pointed it at the officer, who was able to disarm him before the man exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
He was eventually taken into custody after again resisting arrest.
It was only after the pursuit ended that the firearm was found to be a replica.
A 38-year-old man is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired and while prohibited, assaulting an officer, uttering threats, possession of a dangerous weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, using a firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
He appeared in bail court today and was remanded into custody pending his next court date.
