It seems two young men were hoping for an extra special Christmas this year but instead found themselves in handcuffs for shoplifting.
A loss prevention officer at the Walmart location on Harmony Road North saw a young man attempting to flee the store with a 32-inch television in hand around 7 p.m. and followed him. An argument ensued outside in the parking lot but the suspect was able to break free and drove off in a waiting vehicle driven by another man.
Durham police were called and a general broadcast was made over police airwaves of the suspects and their vehicle.
An officer in Oshawa heard the broadcast and saw the vehicle drive by on Taunton Road. The officer activated the emergency lights signaling the driver to pull the vehicle over but he failed to stop. He began to drive erratically at high-speed and at times, sped into oncoming traffic lanes, say police.
At this time the officer stopped the chase over concerns for public safety.
Information led police to a townhouse complex on Rideau Street where they were able to find and arrest one of the men. The second man was found hiding in the attic of one of the units. Police also found the suspects car, which was stolen, and merchandise that was stolen from Walmart.
Two Oshawa men, ages 21 and 22, were arrested and charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, theft under $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and driving a motor vehicle while suspended.
The 21-year-old is also facing charges of failing to stop for police and failing to comply with a probation order.