Surrey: A 26 year-old Langley male was arrested last night following an hour long dangerous driving spree throughout South Surrey and Cloverdale.
On March 12th at approximately 9:00 PM, police received several 911 calls about a vehicle allegedly being driven erratically in South Surrey. Witnesses described seeing a male in a Pontiac Trans Am driving at a high rate of speed. Surrey RCMP attempted to pull the vehicle over but it fled. To ensure the safety of the public, the Lower Mainland Urban Patrol Helicopter (Air 1) was engaged and followed the vehicle through South Surrey where it was seen speeding, running lights and driving into oncoming traffic.
The suspect vehicle eventually turned on 51B Avenue from 192 Street in Cloverdale and was arrested by police. During the arrest an officer with the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service was injured when his vehicle rolled down an embankment. The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment and was later released. The police dog was checked over by a veterinarian, is uninjured and now at home with his handler.
Police are recommending several charges against the 26 year old male, who is well known to police. A search of his vehicle located several stolen license plates, break and enter tools, electronic equipment and keys. The suspect male is also a prohibited driver.
“Prolific offenders will often steal vehicles or license plates and use them to commit other crimes. In this case, the suspect put the lives of our officers and the public at risk through dangerous driving despite facing a ten year driving prohibition,” says Sergeant Dale Carr of the Surrey RCMP.
The public is encouraged to report all incidents of erratic driving to police. Anyone with further information about this incident can contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
