A brazen midday car heist, followed by extremely dangerous driving, was brought to a halt with the RCMP's high-tech helicopter.
At about 2:20 p.m. on May 31, the Surrey RCMP Auto Crime Target Team observed a stolen Volkswagen Jetta being driven dangerously in the Guildford area.
The suspect was speeding on sidewalks, crossing double solid lines, blowing several stop signs and red lights with no regard for other drivers or pedestrians.
After dumping the vehicle in a underground parking lot, the suspect tried to walk away. As he left the parking lot he encountered police officers and attempted to flee on foot, but was caught and taken into custody after a brief struggle.
Surrey's Adam Palsson is being charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, breaching of undertaking and breach of probation.
“While there has been a downward trend in stolen vehicles in the City of Surrey over the last few years, police do not take this kind of reckless behaviour lightly,” Surrey RCMP Cpl. Drew Grainger said in a release. “Prolific auto thieves pose significant risks to the public and put travelers and pedestrians on our roadways at significant risk of grievous bodily injury or possibly even death.”