A chaotic incident in Vancouver's West End early Friday morning resulted in a senior citizen and two police officers being taken to hospital, with significant damage to the neighbourhood. The driver, who allegedly drove erratically, rammed several vehicles and a police cruiser before being stopped.
Incident Details
According to Vancouver police, around 5:30 a.m., a driver was spotted driving erratically near Comox and Broughton streets, hitting street fixtures and trees. The driver then allegedly drove through the Nelson Park off-leash dog park, causing park users to flee. A senior in a motorized scooter was struck and injured.
Police Response
The suspect was finally stopped after ramming a Vancouver police officer responding in a marked cruiser. The collision crushed the front end of the VPD vehicle and flipped the suspect's vehicle onto its side. First responders, including Vancouver Fire Rescue and paramedics, freed the trapped suspect near Comox and Bute streets.
Photos from the area show a large tree torn from the ground, shattered neighbourhood gardens and planters, and a motorized scooter parked in a cordoned-off bike lane.
Investigation
Police stated that mental health and drug use issues are possible factors. The Major Crimes Unit is investigating, and the motive remains unclear. The VPD will update the public as more information becomes available.
