A man, with a large dog, who was fleeing from a crash involving a stolen SUV was tracked to the back of a James Street North bar by the Hamilton police canine unit and Tasered, before being arrested Saturday night.

The incident, which saw significant police resources drawn to the area, began with a two-vehicle crash at Barton Street East and John Street North around 8:05 p.m., said Staff Sgt Frank Miscione.

The SUV involved had been reported stolen and the three occupants inside fled, he said.

Two passengers, a man and a woman, were arrested nearby. An ambulance was called as a precaution for the woman in the other vehicle, but she was not seriously injured.

The driver of the stolen SUV, who had a dog that appeared to be pit bull with him, fled further, Miscione said. A tactical officer from the Emergency Response Unit and a canine officer were called in and the police dog tracked the suspect through an alleyway and in through the back door of a bar, near Robert Street.

Inside the bar, where the man is believed to have snuck in through a back door, a "struggle ensued" and a Taser and the police dog were deployed.

The man was arrested and sent to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

"There was never any threat to the public, there was no weapons involved," Miscione said.

The arrest happened around 8:17 p.m.

The man is expected to face multiple charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, dangerous driving and resist arrest.

The dog was not injured and was taken into the care of animal services.

Police are asking any witnesses to the crash or in the bar to call the Central CID staff sergeant at 905-546-4861. To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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