A 26-year-old man is facing a long list of serious criminal charges after a routine traffic stop turned violent in Central Newfoundland.

Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP say an officer attempted to pull over an SUV on Taylor Road in the town around 2:00, Tuesday morning.

The vehicle sped away ending up in a ditch and the driver ran into the woods through waist-deep snow. That’s when things took a violent turn.

Police say the pursuing officer was assaulted by the man who tried to remove the officer’s firearm from their holster.

The officer, now injured, was unable to continue the chase and additional RCMP including Police Service Dog Kane, were able to track the suspect and take him into custody.

Shiann Martin is facing charges including assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer, uttering death threats, attempting to disarm a police officer, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and impaired driving among other charges. The investigation continues.

Martin is scheduled to appear in Grand Falls-Windsor court April 19.