Suspect leads police dog on 12-km chase

RCMP caught up with a burglary suspect early Tuesday morning following 12-kilometre chase through a Charlottetown suburb.

A West Royalty resident was alerted to an intruder in his home by a security alarm at about 1:15 a.m., and upon checking, he noticed wet footprints in his garage, police said.

"When the members arrived, they found tracks in the snow leading away from the residence," said Charlottetown police Cpl. Dave Cheverie.

"They then pursued for approximately 12 kilometres on foot trying to find this person, and finally with the assistance of the RCMP canine unit, they arrested a 32-year-old Summerside man."

The two-hour pursuit went through backyards, a cemetery, across Highway 2 and into the woods. Ten police officers took part in the chase.

Richard Joseph Arsenault appeared in court Tuesday charged with two counts of breaking and entering, possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking, and also trespass by night.

Arsenault was remanded into custody until a bail hearing on Friday morning.

Cheverie said there may be further charges.