A stolen vehicle drew police and bystanders’ attention in Langford before a K9 unit took down the driver.
At approximately 6:40 p.m. Tuesday West Shore RCMP were called about an erratic driver near the Goldstream Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway intersection in Langford. After running the plate, it was determined the vehicle, a black Dodge Neon, was stolen in Saanich less than three hours prior.
The car was spoted by a West Shore RCMP dog handler, who attempted a traffic stop near the Veterans Memorial Parkway and Latoria Road intersection. But the driver failed to stop.
The officer did not pursue the vehilce for safety reasons but it wasn’t long before police caught up with the car. It collided with two other moving vehilces on Latoria Road before coming to a stop.
Assisted by another member of the force, the Police Dog Service handler deployed his K9 Dash, who quickly subdued the suspect.
“We’re glad that nobody was got injured during this ordeal,” said Const. Alex Bérubé in a statement. “The police dog turned out to be a key asset in the apprehension of the suspect. Hopefully, this suspect will think twice next time about ‘dashing.’”
The 34-year-old man with no fixed address was taken to hospital for minor injuries relating to the dog bite and was released shortly after. He was then taken into police custody and held for a court appearance the following morning.
Police noted the man has a long criminal history.