We now know why some lanes of the QEW were closed in St. Catharines early this morning.
The NRP were chasing a suspect vehicle through city streets when it fled onto the QEW Toronto bound just before 2 a.m.
Officers called off the chase out of concern for public safety, but the white Lexus ended up crashing into the centre median a short time later near Martindale Road.
Police watched as the driver crossed live lanes of traffic on the busy highway and then took off.
Officer were able to make an arrest, but not before the suspect allegedly kicked an officer and spat on a member of the public.
The suspect and his female passenger were both transported to a local hospital.
They were assessed, treated and released from care.
45 year old James Gordon Messer of no fixed address has been charged with a long list of charges including uttering threats, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, impaired operation, and assaulting a peace officer.
Messer was held in custody and attended a bail in hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse on today's date.
The lanes on the QEW were initially closed when this incident occurred.
Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111 extension 9376.