How do I...
If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – On the evening of August 31st 2022, the New Westminster Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from someone who saw an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of an idling vehicle on Garfield Street. The caller reported the engine was revving and expressed concern the driver may be impaired.
When police located the vehicle, they learned the vehicle had been reported stolen. As support from other units arrived, the suspect regained consciousness and drove away. The driver stopped one block away and again lost consciousness with the vehicle still in drive.
With the assistance of the Burnaby RCMP, Air One, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, the vehicle was secured. At that time, the suspect regained consciousness and fled from the vehicle on foot. The suspect was arrested without incident.
Investigators will be recommending the following charges to Crown Counsel:
Flight from Police contrary to Section 320.17 of the Criminal Code;
Possession of Stolen Property contrary to Section 355(a) of the Criminal Code;
Driving while Prohibited contrary to Section 95 of the Motor Vehicle Act; and
4 x Breach of Probation Order contrary to Section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
“In situations like this one, police take every precaution to reduce the risk of harm to the public. Someone driving a stolen vehicle drifting in and out of consciousness is an extremely dangerous situation,” said Sergeant Justine Thom, “We extend our appreciation to our policing partners who worked with us to safely take this suspect into custody and recover this stolen vehicle.”
The New Westminster Police Department commends the actions of the resident who observed this driver and called 9-1-1.
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CONTACT PERSON: Sergeant Justine Thom
PHONE: 604-529-2537
FILE: 22-13279
