COQUITLAM RCMP say that their investigation of a submerged stolen vehicle has lead to the discovery of other vehicles in the Fraser River.

On Saturday, April 6 shortly after 12:15 a.m., Coquitlam RCMP attended to Maquabeak Park located at 5 Burbidge Street in Coquitlam after a running vehicle drove into the Fraser River.

The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team attended the scene during daylight hours on Sunday, April 6 and located the submerged vehicle, along with multiple other vehicles. An initial visual search from the divers was only able to determine that no one was in the driver’s seat due to poor conditions and positioning of the vehicle.

“RCMP divers from the Underwater Recovery Team located a stolen 2004 Mazda submerged in the Fraser River near three other submerged vehicles, including a school bus,” said Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Alexa Hodgins. “The other vehicles appear to have been at this location for some time. Police have recovered and examined a 2010 stolen black 2000 Honda Civic from this location.”

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has assumed conduct of the vehicle recovery due to potential environmental concerns. The Canadian Coast Guard dive team will attend the location to search the stolen vehicle from April 6 and assess the other vehicles.

“This investigation will be a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Ministry of Emergency Management, Canadian Coast Guard, City of Coquitlam, Coquitlam Towing, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and the RCMP,” added Hodgins. “We will continue to work with our partners; however, should any of the vehicles be linked to a criminal investigation, Coquitlam RCMP will assume conduct of that investigation.”

Police are asking anyone with information about any of the submerged vehicles to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2024-8540.