Driver of stolen semi-truck arrested after rig plunges into Fraser River: Langley RCMP
FRASER VALLEY — A Langley RCMP spokesperson says one person has been arrested and remains in custody after what authorities called a dangerous series of events connected to a suspected stolen semi-truck Wednesday evening.
According to a statement from RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom, officers from the Langley Special Response Team witnessed a semi-truck near 24 Avenue and 206 Street with mismatched license plates at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday night, May 14. Shortly after midnight, officers initiated a vehicle stop with the support of Integrated Police Dog Services staff. Once police lights were activated, the driver, later confirmed to be a 40-year-old man, promptly began ramming police vehicles, successfully striking one.
Despite efforts by police to disengage, the suspect continued his aggressive actions by pursuing and intentionally ramming police vehicles before fleeing. A tire deflation device was deployed by SRT personnel which successfully deflated the semi-truck’s front right tire, but the vehicle continued to flee at high speed. The suspect’s driving behaviour was deemed a significant risk to public and police safety. As a result, Langley RCMP Frontline officers initiated a pursuit to stop the threat.
Police say the semi-truck traveled into Surrey through multiple residential neighborhoods. A second spike belt, deployed by Surrey Provincial Operational Support Unit (SPOSU) personnel, successfully disabled the semi-truck’s rear tires. The suspect continued to elude police, driving dangerously at high speeds, dangerously ignoring red lights, and overtaking multiple vehicles. The pursuit led northbound on 176 Street to Highway 17, and then westbound into the Bridgeview area of Surrey.
