A sixty-four-year-old man is now facing charges in Kenora after he allegedly damaged two cars — including a provincial police cruiser — with a mini-excavator.

Kenora OPP Constable Robert Bernie said when officers arrived on the scene last Thursday, a man was swinging the backhoe's bucket toward other vehicles, and blocking traffic.

"A police vehicle that arrived on the scene was actually pushed back several feet by the bucket of the excavator,” he said. “There was substantial damage done to the front of the vehicle."

No one injured

Bernie said an officer used an electronic stun gun to subdue the suspect.

The man has been charged with mischief under $5,000, mischief endangering life, and two weapons-related charges, which relate to a follow-up investigation. Those charges include unauthorized possession of a weapon.

Bernie said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"It's something that doesn't happen on a regular basis in our community, so it stands out certainly,” he said. “Fortunately no one was injured."

The incident occurred in the Darlington Drive area.

Bernie said an estimate on the damage is currently being calculated.

In the meantime, the suspect has been released with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in a Kenora court on Feb. 27.