‘Prolific offender’ arrested after stealing VPD cruiser while driving through park

A “prolific offender” with more than 50 convictions is in custody after he stole a Vancouver Police Department cruiser and drove it through a field on Sunday.

According to VPD, officers were stopped near East Hastings and Semlin Drive just before 11 a.m. to assist a woman in distress. As they got out of the vehicle to help the woman, the suspect got into the patrol car and drove it to a lawn in Templeton Park toward a group of families gathered where children were playing soccer.

“This reckless and criminal behavior could have killed or seriously injured innocent people,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.

According to police, the 41-year-old suspect was arrested by a police dog within three minutes.

“We are grateful to the VPD officers and police service dog who responded immediately to stop this immediate threat to public safety,” Addison said.

One person was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries after nearly being struck head-on.

The VPD is recommending multiple charges of theft, possession of stolen property and traffic offenses.

The suspect suffered minor injuries when he was arrested by the police dog.