High-speed police chase in Metro Vancouver sends semi-truck into Fraser River
Parts of Metro Vancouver became a scene from an action movie early this morning after a suspected stolen semi-truck led police on a high-speed chase.
The incident began on Wednesday evening, when members of the Langley Special Response Team saw a semi-truck with mismatched licence plates near 24th Avenue and 206th Street.
Langley RCMP officers attempted to stop the semi-truck with the help of Integrated Police Dog Services, but as soon as police lights were turned on, the 40-year-old male driver began ramming police vehicles.
The driver allegedly intentionally struck several police vehicles before fleeing, and though a tire-deflation device deflated the semi-truck’s right front tire, it continued to drive at high speeds.
Langley RCMP stated that frontline officers initiated a pursuit of the suspected stolen vehicle into Surrey, through residential neighbourhoods. The truck continued to drive at high speeds through red lights and overtaking vehicles, even after its rear tires were disabled by a spike belt from the Surrey Provincial Operational Support Unit.
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The pursuit ended in the Bridgeview area of Surrey, where the suspect drove into a public dock area containing several dozen people. The semi-truck ended up in the Fraser River, and while the suspect fled the submerged vehicle, he was arrested shortly thereafter with the help of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team.
“This was an incredibly dangerous situation involving a suspect who showed zero regard for public safety or the lives of our officers,” said Sergeant Zynal Sharoom, media relations officer for Langley RCMP, in a release.
“Thanks to the skill, coordination, and professionalism of multiple policing units, this individual was safely taken into custody without injury to the public or police.”
Langley RCMP added that the suspect remains in police custody pending further investigation.