Nanaimo RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a driver of a pickup truck who fled from police after ramming several police vehicles.
This incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28th in the parking lot of the Southgate Mall on 12th Street.
Police noted that the officers involved were not injured.
Nanaimo RCMP say officers on duty first observed the suspect vehicle, a white Ford pickup truck, while it was idling in the parking lot.
The driver was allegedly slumped over the steering wheel, according to police.
Police say that while officers were trying to determine if he was impaired, the vehicle began to move.
“While attempting to leave the parking lot, the pick up pushed one police vehicle out of its path and struck a second police vehicle, causing significant damage to both,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP, in a media release.
O’Brien added that the suspect vehicle drove out of the parking lot at a high speed. At one point, the vehicle allegedly drove onto a pedestrian walkway in front of a grocery store, knocking over several displays of potted plants.
Officers chose not to follow the vehicle due to the speed of the vehicle and driving displayed.
The suspect vehicle was last seen driving southbound on the Trans Canada Highway, according to Nanaimo RCMP.
Police say one of their vehicles that was struck was not driveable and had to be towed.
The suspect is described as a bald Caucasian man who was wearing a blue jacket.
Nanaimo RCMP are asking any motorist that was in the parking lot or nearby between 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on January 28th to review their dashcam footage.
Anyone who has information or dashcam footage of the incident should contact Nanaimo RCMP at (250) 754-2345.
