Toronto metro area man allegedly tries to electrocute wife

Curtis Rush STAFF REPORTER, The Toronto Star

A 60-year-old Oshawa man who works as an electrician is facing numerous charges after allegedly trying to electrocute his wife and then leading police on a high-speed chase in his car.

Police say that the victim was taking a shower Sunday morning when she received several electric shocks while adjusting the taps. When she called her husband into the bathroom, he told her it was a build-up of static electricity.

Later that evening, at about 11 p.m., the victim discovered a section of drywall missing and electrical wires attached to the plumbing in the bathroom, police say.Sgt. Paul McCurbin of Durham Police said the woman found the drywall missing in the master bedroom, which adjoins the bathroom. An extension cord with open wires ran to the plumbing. Police did not lay attempted murder charges because while they determined it was dangerous, the woman would not have died from the incident.

When she confronted her husband early at about 12:15 a.m. Monday, he attacked her and choked her almost to unconsciousness, police say. The man then left the house and drove off. His wife called police.

Officers found the man’s Grand Am heading east on Highway 2 near Regional Road 57 and followed it. The car turned on to Highway 401, followed by police, who turned on their their lights and sirens. Instead of stopping, the driver accelerated with the police in pursuit. They called off the chase when the car reached speeds in excess of 170 km/h, police say.

Not long after, the car was spotted by Port Hope police in the town and the man was arrested.
The man has been charged with mischief endangering life, aggravated assault, two counts of assault causing bodily harm and failing to stop for police.