A man who was allegedly followed by police all the way from Richmond to Manning Park is facing 12 charges.
Steven Edward Hart, 32, of Vancouver, has been charged with theft of gas, fraud and possession of identity documents, as well as driving while prohibited.
It began in October last year with a stolen vehicle spotted in Richmond and led to a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving four RCMP municipalities, Air Services, and the Police Dog service. It ended near Manning Park with multiple arrests.
“The manner in which this individual has allegedly conducted himself placed the safety of the public and police in harm’s way,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
Before being arrested, Hart is alleged to have rented vehicles on two separate occasions using stolen identification, possessed stolen property including identification and credit card information; stolen gas from a Richmond gas station, caused damage to a Richmond hotel room, which was rented using stolen identification.
After he was released from custody in November, Hart was reported as being AWOL from a location in Chilliwack.
Arrest warrants from Richmond, Chilliwack, Whistler and Squamish were issued for alleged crimes including break and enter, theft of mail, and failing to report to his halfway house.
Richmond RCMP was able to locate Hart at a restaurant in 4300 block of No. 3 Road on Jan. 15 and he was arrested without incident.
“Following the evidence has been a complex, but necessary endeavour,” said Cpl. Simon Lee, of the Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit.
“The repercussions and challenges of property crime, namely break and enters, mail theft, and identity theft are very real. Property crime affects the entire community.
“What happens in Whistler can trickle down to Richmond and vice-versa. The experience and depth of the PCU team are crucial in tackling these types of investigations. The officers from this detachment are committed in making our community safe.”
Hart is currently remanded in custody pending his court date on Feb. 16.
