Mounties suspend search for driver who tried to hit cops with vehicle in B.C.

LANGFORD, B.C. – Mounties on southern Vancouver Island say they have suspended their search for a man who allegedly tried to hit officers with a stolen vehicle.

West Shore RCMP say officers were trying to stop the vehicle in Langford, B.C., around noon Friday, but the driver took off and crashed nearby.

They say he ran away, but officers arrested another suspect and recovered a firearm they believe was stolen.

The subsequent search for the driver included a police helicopter, dog teams and the emergency response team.

Police say officers have suspended the search because they have identified the man and they want residents to be able to return to their homes.

They say the man who is known to police can’t be identified because charges have not yet been laid and officers are pursuing “other avenues” to locate and arrest him.

“I’d like to acknowledge the support and co-operation we received from the community affected by our response to this incident,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Wright of the West Shore RCMP in a news release.

“The significant police response seen today, while unnerving for some, was necessary to ensure we made every effort to locate this suspect, while ensuring public safety.”