Car problems bring fleeing from Police incident to an end near Khyex River Bridge

A Sunday evening incident that began at the Port Edward turnoff came to an end near the Khyex River Bridge with one male in custody, following an evening that left a light pole down and some alleged dangerous driving on Highway 16.

The Prince Rupert Detachment of the RCMP picks up the case file notes from an information release from Monday evening:

On April 3rd, 2022 at approximately 8:30pm, the Prince Rupert RCMP received a report of a vehicle driving dangerously around the Port Edward turn off at Skeena Dr and Highway 16. 

The vehicle was reported to have knocked over a light pole and then fled the scene. Police attended shortly after and observed the light pole on the ground, obstructing the southbound exit lane coming from Prince Rupert toward Port Edward. 

 While in the area, police conducted patrols looking for the suspect vehicle. A vehicle matching the description with light damage to the front bumper was observed travelling toward the highway from Port Edward, well above the posted speed limit. Police caught up with the vehicle and attempted to pull it over, but the vehicle fled eastbound on Highway 16. 

The suspect vehicle was observed swerving into the oncoming lane and overpassing other vehicles while travelling at a high rate of speed. Considering the risk to the public, police determined a pursuit wasn't warranted and aborted the attempt. 

Patrols of the highway were maintained and the vehicle was located twice more in a stopped position, both times fleeing from police in a dangerous way when members attempted to make contact with it. 

The suspect vehicle eventually broke down along the highway passed the Khyex River Bridge and police were able to safely take the driver into custody after a high-risk takedown.

A Sunday incident which started in Port Edward
ended at the Khyex River Bridge

As a result of the evening's travels the RCMP  notes that a 31-year-old male suspect was later found to be impaired by alcohol by over double the legal limit, prohibited from driving and with an outstanding arrest warrant from Terrace. 

He now be faces four new charges with the Prince Rupert RCMP will recommending the following to the BC Prosecution Service:

Operation while impaired, Dangerous operation, Flight from Peace Officer and Drive while prohibited. The man was also served a Violation Ticket for Failing to remain at the scene of an accident and for Driving without insurance. 

The Sunday evening incident has also served as an opportunity for the RCMP to remind motorists of the protocols on the road when Emergency Vehicles are responding to a call or involved in incidents such as that of the weekend.

"I would like to remind the public that anytime emergency vehicles are travelling with their flashing lights and sirens on, other motorists must clear the path. The best thing to do is to pull over and to stop until the emergency vehicles have passed you. 

While passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, slow down and move over (maximum 70km/h). Working along the highway is very dangerous for us when vehicles and trucks don't respect these rules and it can interfere with our response. Additionally, drivers can receive fines under the Motor Vehicle Act for failing to comply." -- Constable Gabriel Gravel, Media Relations Officer with the Prince Rupert RCMP.

The case file can be reviewed here.

For more notes on the work of Emergency Responders in the Northwest see our archive page.