A senior citizen was critically injured and two Vancouver Police Department officers were taken to hospital with injuries after a male driver allegedly rammed several vehicles, sped through a section of Nelson Park, and intentionally drove along a sidewalk in Vancouver’s West End on Friday morning. 

The senior remains in hospital in critical condition. The VPD officers are also in hospital being treated for their injuries. 

The incident was reported at about 5:30 a.m. when a vehicle was observed driving erratically in the area of Comox and Broughton streets, striking numerous objects, including the Nelson Park dog area. Several witnesses nearby had to scramble to get out of the way of the suspect’s vehicle. 

The senior, who was riding a motorized scooter at the time, was unable to evade the driver.

The suspect was eventually stopped after he rammed a police vehicle responding to the scene, destroying the cruiser and flipping the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect was trapped inside the vehicle and arrested near Comox and Bute streets. Multiple ambulances responded along with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services who were able to free the man from the wreckage.

Mental health and drug use issues are possible factors in this incident.

The Major Crimes Unit is investigating. The motive remains unclear at this time. The VPD will update the public as more information becomes available. 

Comox Street between Thurlow and Bute remains closed to the public for the time being.