A man is in custody and facing a string of criminal charges after fleeing from police during an attempted traffic stop in Saanich Friday night.
According to Saanich Police, the incident began just before 8 p.m. on May 23rd, when an officer attempted to pull over a vehicle in the 700 block of Claremont Road.
Instead of stopping, the driver took off at high speed. Police did not pursue the vehicle but instead saturated the surrounding area in an effort to locate it.
The vehicle was soon found abandoned in the 5000 block of Del Monte Avenue.
With assistance from the Integrated Canine Service, officers searched the area and eventually located the driver hiding in a bush on private property.
He surrendered without further incident.
Police say the man showed clear signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol, and failed a roadside breath test.
The driver remains in custody as the investigation continues, but police say they expect to recommend several charges to Crown counsel, including dangerous driving, impaired driving, flight from police, and possession of property obtained by crime.
He is also accused of breaching a release order.
