The driver of a stolen truck rammed unmarked police vehicles when they boxed him in during an incident on Oct. 30.

RCMP Const. Steve Holmes said the driver of a stolen green Ford F-350 reacted to being boxed in by reversing into one police vehicle, and driving forward into another.

The stolen truck was surrounded by RCMP Crime Reduction Team members at 9:40 p.m. on Oct. 30, when the truck was spotted on Rose Avenue near Aberdeen with two people in it.

Holmes said the passenger in the truck fled on foot, with one officer in pursuit. He noted that another officer tried to pull the driver through the driver’s side window of the truck.

During the attempt, the officer received a gash on his arm that required several stitches.

Holmes said the driver escaped the truck through the passenger door, and was caught after a short chase on foot. He added the driver fought with the officer, but was taken to the ground. The 21-year-old man was arrested and handcuffed.

Holmes said the man, Andrew Martindale, is known to police for issues with the Criminal Code.

He noted that Martindale was charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, assaulting a peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. Holmes noted that Martindale is currently on recognizance stemming from 10 criminal charges in 2008.

Martindale’s previous brushes with the law largely involved theft under and over $5,000 and possession of stolen property under and over $5,000.

Holmes said the truck was stolen from a residence in Kelowna. He said the passengers remains at large, their identity still unknown.