A man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to flee police and crashing into a cruiser in Langford early Saturday morning.
West Shore RCMP say the incident began just after midnight on June 22nd, when an officer patrolling near Jacklin Road and Rex Road spotted a grey 2002 Chevy Malibu with expired insurance and a licence plate that had been reported stolen.
When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over.
A short time later, officers set up a blockade near the 2600-block of Sooke Road in an effort to stop the vehicle.
The suspect reportedly collided with a police car at that location.
The driver, identified as 36-year-old Michael Bruce, was arrested at the scene. He remains in custody and is facing charges including driving while prohibited, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and possession of stolen property under $5,000.
He is expected to appear in court in July.
“Fortunately, no one sustained any injuries as a result of this incident, particularly as the incident unfolded during the late-night hours,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, media relations officer with West Shore RCMP.
The crash bears a chilling resemblance to the 2016 incident that claimed the life of Const. Sarah Beckett, a West Shore RCMP officer who was killed when her cruiser was struck by an impaired driver during a traffic stop.
Beckett’s death led to sweeping changes in policing practices and legislation.
