NEW Westminster Police Department officers arrested a suspect on Friday, January 16, following an incident involving a stolen vehicle.

Shortly before 3:40 p.m., officers responded to a report of an individual unconscious in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in the 500-block of Royal Avenue. Officers determined the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Surrey earlier that day. Officers secured the area and attempted to safely contain the vehicle.

As officers were working to deploy stop sticks, the driver awoke and fled eastbound on Royal Avenue at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue the vehicle.

A short time later, officers located the same vehicle after it was involved in a collision near the intersection of Royal Avenue and 1st Street. The driver had fled on foot and was arrested nearby after a brief foot pursuit.

BC Emergency Health Services Paramedics assessed the driver and passenger that were struck. As a precautionary measure, they were transported to hospital for further assessment.

“This arrest was a true team effort,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver on Monday. “Our patrol members did an excellent job and we’re thankful for the help from our specialty units who lent a hand.”

The New Westminster Police Department would like to thank witnesses who came forward and assisted officers in locating the suspect. The suspect is known to police and multiple charges are being recommended.