Mounties in North Vancouver say two officers were hurt when they were responding to a reported hit-and-run incident last week.
The RCMP says it received reports that a white Dodge Ram pickup had hit a tree in the area of Dollarton Highway and Forester Street around 1 a.m. on April 17. Callers said the driver was seen running from the scene.
Officers were sent to the home of the vehicle’s registered owner and, while there, Mounties reportedly saw a passenger matching the driver’s description get out of another vehicle.
“Officers conducted a traffic stop on the white sedan, but the passenger exited the vehicle, attempted to flee and reportedly resisted arrest,” the North Vancouver RCMP said Monday.
“As the passenger continued to resist arrest, another man allegedly exited a nearby residence and tackled an arresting officer.”
The department says during a “brief struggle,” two RCMP officers “were allegedly assaulted and were injured as a result.”
“The officers suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries, but are now recovering,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak. “Police are continuing to investigate the hit and run component of the investigation.”
The RCMP says officers suspected the driver of the white sedan was impaired and asked him for a breath sample, which he refused to do. He was issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition.
The suspected driver in the hit-and-run is potentially facing charges, related to resisting arrest and leaving the scene of a crash.
“The third man is being investigated for assaulting a police officer and obstruction,” Mounties added.
Police are asking for anyone with video from Dollarton Highway the early morning of April 17 to contact the RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file 24-7319.