Man arrested after allegedly ramming police cruiser with vehicle in Surrey

A Maple Ridge man has been arrested and is facing charges after allegedly ramming a police vehicle while attempting to flee a traffic stop in Surrey this week.

According to a release from BC’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU BC), the incident took place on the evening of April 11, while CFSEU BC officers were conducting enforcement patrols in the area of 160th and 104th streets.

Police said the suspect vehicle stopped briefly before fleeing the area, with both vehicles sustaining damages. The suspect allegedly accelerated his vehicle towards the police, striking the police vehicle and injuring the UGET member in the process.

The injured officer was able to call for assistance and was transported to hospital, where his injuries were determined to be minor and he was released to continue recovering at home.

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The suspect and his vehicle were quickly located in the Coquitlam area and the driver was arrested without incident.

Now, 51-year-old James Richardson has been charged with multiple offences under the Criminal Code of Canada as well as the provincial Motor Vehicle Act in connection with the incident, including Driving while Prohibited and Assault to a Police Officer Causing Harm.

Speaking about the incident, CFSEU-BC spokesperson Sgt. Brenda Winpenny said CFSEU-BC members provide a “pro-active law enforcement presence” across the Lower Mainland every day to ensure public safety.

“Risks, especially during the pandemic, are always present, and require all members to be vigilant,” she added. “Any individual willing to assault the police poses an even greater risk to the general public.”

As such, Winpenny said she and her team are “relieved the injuries were minor, enforcement efforts quickly located the accused and that the accused will be brought before the Courts to answer for his actions.”