RCMP say two Mounties were assaulted last week while investigating a driver who hit a tree in North Vancouver and fled the scene.
The incident began when officers were called to a collision site in the 2300-block of Dollarton Highway at about 1 a.m. on Wednesday (April 17). There, they found a crashed white Dodge Ram pickup truck, but no driver in sight. Witnesses told the officers a man had fled the area.
The attending officers stayed to assess the collision site, while several others were sent to the address of the truck’s registered owner to try and intercept the driver.
Once there, officers say they saw a white sedan pull up with a passenger who matched the description of the hit-and-run driver. Officers pulled the vehicle over and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the passenger got out of the vehicle and tried to run away.
When officers caught him, RCMP say the man resisted their arrest. The situation was further complicated when another man came out of a nearby home and allegedly tackled the arresting officer.
RCMP say there was a struggle as officers tried to gain control of the scene, during which two Mounties were injured.
Now, all three men involved in the incident are facing possible consequences.
RCMP say the hit-and-run driver may be charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident and resisting arrest, while the man who allegedly tackled the arresting officer is being investigated for assault and obstruction. The driver of the white sedan was issued an immediate roadside prohibition after he refused a breath test.
Const. Mansoor Sahak said in a news release Monday (April 22) that the two officers suffered serious injuries, but are now recovering.
Anyone with dash camera footage of Dollarton Highway from the early morning hours of April 17 are asked to contact North Vancouver RCMP.
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