A high-speed chase near the 3700 block of Sooke Road in Metchosin took a dangerous turn last week when a driver fled from police, resulting in a crash and the arrest of a 27-year-old Langford man.
On the evening of June 10th, West Shore RCMP, in collaboration with the BC Highway Patrol, had set up speed enforcement operations when they noticed two vehicles traveling at an excessive speed in the westbound direction.
Police promptly pulled over the vehicles, and one driver cooperated with the authorities, however, the other driver, operating a 2019 Kia Forte, initially stopped but abruptly took off when officers approached.
During the escape attempt, the Kia Forte collided with the leg of a BC Highway Patrol officer. Shortly after, police received a distress call reporting that the Kia Forte had crashed into a cement barrier and ended up in a ditch near Sooke Road, close to Kangaroo Road.
Responding officers apprehended the driver, who now faces charges of Flight from Police, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Proceeds of Crime.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a substantial amount of cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia in the possession of the driver. However, it wasn’t just the driver who suffered consequences from the crash.
Inside the wreckage, officers found an injured dog, which had sustained a broken leg. The injured animal was immediately transported to a local veterinarian for medical attention.
The 27-year-old Langford man was later released on an Undertaking but required to surrender his driver’s license.
Additionally, he received a violation ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act for Excessive Speeding. As a result of his actions, the Kia Forte was impounded for a duration of seven days.
Cpl. Nancy Saggar, the West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer, expressed relief that the incident didn’t escalate further. She noted, “The BC Highway Patrol officer suffered minor injuries to their leg and is expected to recover. Traffic enforcement is an integral part of keeping communities safe. This incident was a close call for the officer and brings to light the dangers of policing.”
“The BC Highway Patrol Officer suffered minor injuries to their leg and is expected to recover. Traffic enforcement is an integral part of keeping communities safe. This incident was a close call for the officer and brings to light the dangers of policing,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the West Shore RCMP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
