A citizen report of erratic driving helped Delta police recovery a reported stolen vehicle and arrest a suspect wanted by Surrey RCMP.
According to police the incident unfolded shortly after 9 a.m. on Wednesday when officers responded to a report of an erratic driver in the 3800 block of 96th Street.
A complainant reported seeing a gray Nissan speed past him narrowly missing hitting his vehicle and that the suspect vehicle was driving erratically.
“While police were on their way, the complaint called back advising that the suspect vehicle was now stuck in a ditch by the 104th Street access to the dyke,” said public affairs coordinator Sharlene Brooks in a news release. “Police arrived and located a male standing by the 2005 Nissan Acura. Initially the male provided a false name and then fled on foot from police. Police set up containment of the area and called in K9 to search for the male who fled into thick blackberry thorns through a ditch and over a barbed wire fence.”
Brooks said the K9 unit did locate the male who was laying on the ground under an excavator and appeared unconscious.
“Police administered Naloxone to the suspect believing he was suffering from a drug overdose. Fire and ambulance responded and transported him to hospital,” Brooks added.
Further police investigation enabled officers to identify the suspect and confirm he had been released from custody with various conditions regarding other offences. Police also learned that the vehicle had been reported stolen by Surrey RCMP.
The vehicle was towed and the owner advised.
Once medically cleared the suspect was taken to cells and held for a show cause hearing. The 18-year-old from Surrey now faces multiple charges including breach of conditions, possession of stolen property and obstruction.
“The unfolding of these events is attributed to a citizen making a call to police. The results revealed that there was much more to it than a driving complaint,” said Brooks. “A key element of community policing is, citizens reporting and police responding. Delta police applauds the high degree of citizen engagement which in turn helps us keep this community safe for everyone.”
