ABBOTSFORD Police patrol officers, with assistance from the Integrated Police Dog Services, had at 3:12 a.m. on Sunday observed a stolen vehicle travelling westbound on Highway 1 through Abbotsford.
Patrol officers responded to the area where the vehicle, occupied by two persons, was brought to a stop with the deployment of a spike belt as its tires deflated on the stretch of Highway 1 between McCallum and Clearbrook roads.
The driver fled on foot, but because of the rapid response of the Integrated Police Dog Services, he was quickly taken into custody and identified as prolific offender, 29-year-old Tyson Zackary Fust.
The 38-year-old passenger was taken into custody without issue and has since been released and is not facing charges at this time.
Fust is currently facing charges of failing to comply with his probation order, operating a motor vehicle while prohibited and dangerous driving, with further charges being sought as the investigation continues.
The vehicle caught fire because of the friction of the steel rims on the pavement. The fire was quickly extinguished by the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services. Police shut down westbound traffic on Highway 1 along the stretch to ensure the safety of other motorists and first responders on scene during the event.
“This is another example of the Abbotsford Police Departments commitment to serve the community day and night by proactively preventing and suppressing property crimes, capturing prolific offenders that attempt to disrupt our community and ensuring our communities’ roads are safe,” said Constable Art Stele.