Residents witnessed a spectacular car chase through downtown streets Sunday (Jan. 28) when three suspected car thieves took a detour through Squamish to avoid capture.
At approximately 11:40 p.m., five RCMP vehicles with lights and sirens blaring sped through the neighbourhood's streets and alleyways in pursuit of a white, 1988 Jeep Cherokee that had allegedly been stolen from Vancouver.
An RCMP member first attempted to stop the vehicle at Valley Drive as it was travelling northbound on Highway 99, but the driver entered the downtown in his attempts to evade capture.
The vehicle sped down Third Avenue toward the Squamish Terminals before turning back, according to RCMP reports.
Witnesses said the Jeep's driver screeched up and down Third Ave. and Second Ave. numerous times, raced through the parking lot at Second Ave. and Victoria Ave, crashing over a cement planter before racing away.
The RCMP used several techniques - including spike belts - in their attempts to trap the suspects. Police chose to continue the pursuit because the streets were empty, said RCMP Cpl. Dave Ritchie. No one was injured in the chase.
The driver was eventually boxed at the Marina Estates. Two of the three suspects were apprehended and are in custody, but a third, the 21-year-old male driver of the vehicle, fled on foot and is still at large.
The passengers, a 21-year-old male and a 20-year-old female, gave RCMP Ontario addresses, and one of the suspects had attempted to find work in Squamish.
All three suspects were apprehended last Wednesday (Jan. 24) during a similar car chase with another allegedly stolen white Jeep Cherokee, a newer 1991 model, from Keefer St. in Vancouver.
All three were released on conditions that they "behave," according to Ritchie.
