ON Thursday at 8:04 a.m., Abbotsford Police patrol officers located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Bradner rest stop and identified it as being involved in an earlier catalytic converter theft within the city. During that incident, the suspect threatened a citizen with a taser-style stun baton. The citizen was not hurt.

The stolen vehicle fled. Police deployed a spike belt that damaged the vehicle’s tire. A traffic stop was attempted, but the driver failed to stop for police. Given the driver’s behaviour, a police pursuit did not occur.

A short time later, the suspect vehicle came to a stop in the 21600-block of Highway 1 after its tire deflated. The driver fled on foot. With the assistance of the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS) and the Langley RCMP, the driver was taken into custody after a foot pursuit.

Tyson Fust, 27, of Langley has been charged with robbery, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, possession of a weapon, breach of release order, and obstruction. He remains in custody.

Upon searching the stolen vehicle, 12 catalytic converters were located.

“This is an arrest of a prolific offender who has consistently demonstrated no regard for the impact his actions have on other people. We like to see offenders who pose this kind of risk taken off the streets so the community can receive the protection it deserves,” said Inspector Casey Vinet.