ON August 25 at approximately 8 a.m., New Westminster Police patrol officers responded to a call from someone who believed they had just seen their friend’s stolen car being driven through New Westminster.

When officers located the vehicle parked outside a local store they witnessed a man running from the store carrying suspected stolen property with a security guard running after him. The suspect entered the vehicle and fled the scene.

The New Westminster Police Department Street Crime Unit, working in unmarked vehicles, were able to follow the vehicle into Vancouver, where it was eventually stopped with the male being taken into custody by a Vancouver Police K-9 unit. During this incident, the male rammed one of the NWPD vehicles; however, damage was minor and no injuries were sustained. The New Westminster Police thanked the Vancouver Police for their assistance with this investigation.

Mathew Christopher Nicholls, 41, of Langley has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, theft under $5,000, and breach of release order.

“Dealing with mobile stolen vehicles can be a high-risk venture for police as we want to avoid dangerous pursuits that can put the public at risk,” said Deputy Chief Constable Paul Hyland. “We have had a few of these incidents recently and I am grateful for the work being done by our members to ensure they are being resolved in a safe manner.”

Additionally, the New Westminster Police thanked the person who dialed 9-1-1 to report their sighting of the stolen vehicle.