Another prolific offender is behind bars after allegedly stealing a car in Richmond and trying to flee with flat tires.
On Monday morning, at around 4:20 a.m., Richmond RCMP received a report from a homeowner in the 8000 block of Colonial Drive that he heard his vehicle drive away from the front of his house.
Sure enough, when the homeowner peered through his window, his Ford F350 truck was gone. Richmond RCMP immediately sent out a broadcast to officers on patrol to advise them of the incident in an attempt to locate the truck.
An hour later, the stolen vehicle was located by Richmond RCMP being driven in the area of Blundell and No. 2 roads.
As the vehicle was heading towards the Dinsmore Bridge, the Vancouver Police Department was contacted for assistance.
RCMP took position at the Dinsmore Bridge, stopping traffic so they could roll out the spike belt. The deployment was a success, as the tires were deflated on the stolen vehicle. However, the vehicle continued on Russ Baker Way towards Vancouver, traveling on wheel rims alone.
Once in Vancouver, with VPD officers ready to intercept, the vehicle proceeded towards the Cambie Street Skytrain Station where the driver dumped the vehicle and fled on foot.
The area was immediately cordoned off and a VPD dog handler began tracking the suspect. Around 6:30 a.m., the suspect was located hiding under a retaining wall next to the Fraser River. With the Coast Guard's hovercraft nearby, the suspect was loaded onboard for transport to Emergency Health Services positioned on Mitchell Island to be treated for hypothermia.
"This is another example of police agencies and their partners coming together to bring about successful conclusions to investigations," said Cpl. Sherrdean Turley of Richmond RCMP.
"We'd like to thank the VPD & the Coast Guard for their assistance today."
Richmond RCMP is forwarding charges of possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police and breach of undertaking.
The male was also arrested on two outstanding warrants, one stemming from a stolen vehicle in Richmond in March 2010.
