A man wanted in connection with a home invasion in Fredericton has been arrested following a high-speed pursuit.
Police issued a statement on social media Sunday, asking for the public’s help in locating 39-year-old Michael Lloyd Peterson, a robbery suspect.
They said the man broke into a home on the city’s north side and used force against the homeowner before stealing several items.
He fled the scene in a silver vehicle with New Hampshire licence plates.
In addition to being charged with robbery, police said the man was also wanted on a Canada-wide parole warrant from Correctional Service Canada.
They warned that he was considered armed and dangerous and shouldn’t be approached if spotted.
Police issued another statement Monday, saying the man had been arrested around 7:30 a.m. following a high-speed pursuit.
According to an eyewitness to the arrest, it involved Peterson’s vehicle getting stuck in the mud, while officers approached with automatic weapons.
"It was clear that this individual made every effort to flee,” said Staff Sgt. Matt Myers of the Fredericton Police Force.
“It involved him going off-road, in the back of residential dwellings and there was extensive property damage that was caused as a result of that."
Myers said there were no injuries resulting from the chase.
“As well, it was certainly satisfying to get Mr. Peterson in custody as he was a suspect in a number of different offences and criminal matters,” Myers said.
Brenda Yerxa was driving to work when she found herself in the middle of the chase.
"I've never been so scared in all my life,” Yerxa said.
"Next thing I know, he's coming down by me, I can see him coming out the street and he's coming down by me and I'm just sitting there — ‘Oh, Dear Lord,’” she said.
“Anyway he slowed down beside me and he went like that and took off.”
That’s when, according to Yerxa, the suspect made a gun-like motion.
“Well, I took to crying."
Petersonis due in court Monday afternoon to face several charges.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell
