A motorcycle that was reported stolen from Squamish in 2008 was returned to town in a rather unconventional manner last week. As a result, a 22-year-old Vancouver man is facing multiple charges, including dangerous driving and criminal flight.
Last Wednesday (Aug. 22) at around 5:30 p.m., the crew of an RCMP helicopter contacted Squamish RCMP to say that the aircraft was watching a motorcycle being driven at high speeds northbound near Shannon Falls, RCMP Sgt. Wayne Pride wrote in a statement.
One RCMP vehicle attempted to pull the motorcycle over, but the driver fled, "driving erratically at high speeds and weaving through traffic," Pride wrote. "No pursuit was attempted as the chopper had excellent coverage and given the situation, it was not safe to do so."
The Chief saw the motorcycle speed past in the northbound lanes near Finch Drive and move into the unoccupied left turn lane. Instead of turning, though, the rider used the turn lane to skirt around vehicles that were stopped at a red light at Highway 99 and Commercial Way and continue northward.
With police vehicles pursuing at a distance, the motorcyclist turned onto Garibaldi Way and then Government Road. In Brackendale, police managed to close in on the suspect, who ditched the motorcycle and fled on foot. With the help of a police service dog, officers finally apprehended the man in a wooded area near Dryden Road, Pride wrote.
The suspect did not have a driver's licence, Pride said. In addition to the aforementioned charges, he is facing charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and drug possession.
