NORTH Vancouver RCMP are investigating after a man allegedly drove recklessly and assaulted and attempted to disarm police officers.

On August 23 at approximately 9 p.m., North Vancouver RCMP received several reports alleging sightings of an erratic driver on Highway 1 westbound near Mountain Highway.

Officers located the vehicle — a red Dodge Caravan — believed to be the subject of the reports near East 13^th Street and St. Georges Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle failed to pull over and continued driving. Due to increased public safety concerns, officers did not pursue the vehicle.

The vehicle was later found driving near Lonsdale Avenue and West 22^nd Street where it crashed into the sidewalk. After crashing, the driver tried to flee on foot. He was ultimately taken into custody, but not before he allegedly assaulted police officers and attempted to disarm one police officer during the arrest process. One officer was injured and was taken to the hospital and later released.

The BC Prosecution Service has now formally charged Benjamin Kohlman, 45, of New Westminster, BC, with seven charges:

• One count of dangerous operation of Motor Vehicle
• One count of flight from peace officer
• One count of fail to stop at scene of accident
• One count of resist or obstruct peace officer
• One count of disarming a peace officer
• Two counts of assault on a peace officer

Kohlman is currently being held in custody and his next court appearance is set for August 26.

“The investigation is still ongoing and officers are looking to speak to anyone who was in the area of Highway 1 and Mountain Highway, East Keith Road at Queensbury Avenue, East 13^th Street and St. Georges Avenue and may have witnessed anything,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for North Vancouver RCMP, on Monday. “Investigators are specifically looking to speak to anyone whose dash cam or CCTV may have captured the vehicle driving erratically.”

Anyone with dash cam or CCTV of the Dodge Caravan being driven recklessly is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file number 24-17214.