COQUITLAM RCMP are seeking witnesses after a stolen vehicle drove into the Fraser River on Saturday, April 6.
Police responded to Maquabeak Park located at 5 Burbidge Street in Coquitlam shortly after 12:15 a.m. on Saturday after a running vehicle was observed entering into the Fraser River. Police located the vehicle fully submerged near the boat launch with the headlights and taillights on.
As it was unknown if anyone was inside the vehicle, two Coquitlam RCMP officers entered the water but were unable to access the vehicle. Both officers were subsequently transported to hospital as a precautionary measure.
Coquitlam Fire and Rescue attended scene with their boat, but were also unable to reach the vehicle or determine if it was occupied.
The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team attended the scene where they located the submerged vehicle in the Fraser River. Divers did not observe any persons in the vehicle; however, a thorough search will be conducted once the vehicle is removed from the water in the next few days, police said.
“We would like to thank Coquitlam Fire and Rescue as well as the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team in assisting our ongoing investigation,” said Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Alexa Hodgins. “We can confirm that the vehicle was recently reported stolen from a neighbouring jurisdiction. We are asking anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact our investigators.”
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2024-8540.