Police who offered a courtesy ride to a person walking on a poorly-lit section of roadway on Sunday quickly realized the intrepid pedestrian was wanted on an outstanding warrant and was also lugging break-and-enter tools.
The Sault Ste. Marie OPP say that shortly after 11:15 p.m., officers were on patrol duties on Highway 17 within Sault city limits.
"Police observed a person walking southbound on Highway 17 in an extremely poorly lit location north of Sixth Line," police said in a news release.
"Police stopped to provide a courtesy ride and learned the individual was wanted and there was a warrant for his arrest."
Police say once arrested, they searched the man and two duffle bags.
Inside the bags were bolt cutters, copper wire and other break-and-enter tools, according to police.
As a result, Richard Souriol, 37, of Sault Ste. Marie was charged with:
- Failure to comply with a release order-other than to attend court (two counts)
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of break-in instruments
Souriol was to appear today before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail Court.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Souriol is considered innocent unless proven guilty.