Abby PD arrests known offender after he tries to steal a parked U-Haul truck

ABBOTSFORD — An observant citizen’s tip earlier this week helped the Abbotsford Police Department capture a bad guy who was up to no good, after he tried unsuccessfully to steal a U-Haul truck, only to get stuck in the snow.

In a news release from Constable Art Stele, a keen Abbotsford resident notified the Abbotsford PD through its social media page that a suspicious male was seen cutting the locks off a parked U-Haul truck near the intersection of Marshall Road and Emerson Street in Abbotsford on Tuesday evening, December 20.

Abby PD patrol officers responded to the area and quickly located the U-Haul truck at approximately 8 p.m. as it struggled to navigate some minor snowy streets in Abbotsford. Once Abby PD initiated a road stop, the suspect attempted to flee the scene. Thanks to the assistance of a conveniently placed snow pile, the suspect wound up getting the U-Haul truck stuck.

The driver, later identified as a 36-year-old known offender, Russell Mayhew, was taken into custody. Mayhew faces numerous charges, including flight from police, wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer, breach of undertaking, and driving while disqualified.