Dog nabs prolific car thief; cops bear-sprayed
A prolific car thief who drove a stolen truck to his probation appointment in Abbotsford Wednesday afternoon bear-sprayed three officers trying to avoid arrest.
Members of the Abbotsford crime reduction unit (CRU) and IMPACT, the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team, were conducting surveillance on a suspect they believed responsible for a spike in Ford F350 truck thefts occurring in the Fraser Valley.
On Wednesday the CRU observed the suspect in Langley driving a Ford F350 stolen out of Chilliwack.
When the 19-year-old man arrived in Abbotsford to meet with his probation officer, police attempted to arrest him.
He fled on foot and deployed a canister of bear spray hitting the pursuing officers.
He didn’t make it far before two police dogs chased him down.
He was transported to hospital where he was treated for his dog bites and later released into police custody.
One officer was also taken to hospital due to the bear spray while paramedics treated two others on scene.
The probation office on Cruickshank Street was temporarily evacuated after being contaminated by the bear spray.
The man, who is well-known to police, is facing charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000, theft over $5,000, possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace, carrying a concealed weapon, driving while prohibited and breach of probation.
He’s also up for four counts of assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer.
He was expected to appear in Abbotsford provincial court Thursday.
His 21-year-old girlfriend is facing a charge of possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Abbotsford Police Const. Casey Vinet said the CRU is pleased with the catch.
“Our crime reduction unit was formed to apprehend exactly this type of individual,” said Vinet.
“He’s a prolific offender we believe is responsible for many crimes throughout the Fraser Valley and there’s no doubt that our communities are safer with him in custody.”
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