The RCMP in Harbour Grace say they have Jai Stagg in custody after searching for the 44-year-old Carbonear man since he allegedly fled from a traffic stop last week.
On Thursday night, police say they were alerted to be on the lookout for a burgundy Pontiac G6 after receiving a number of reports of erratic driving and of a theft that occurred earlier in the evening.
The RCMP later observed a car matching the description swerving over the roadway and conducted a traffic stop on the Veterans Memorial Highway near Harbour Grace.
Police say the driver, Stagg, was found to be impaired and was arrested, but as the arresting officer was attempting to have Stagg exit the vehicle, he put the car into gear and fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
Moments later, the vehicle was located by another officer who attempted a second stop, but the vehicle car continued at high speed. In the interest of public safety, police did not pursue and efforts to locate Stagg that night were unsuccessful.
An arrest warrant was issued, with Stagg being charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, impaired driving, being unlawfully at large and theft under $5,000.
