Vancouver Police (VPD) say mental health and drug use issues are possible factors in a dynamic early-morning vehicle incident that sent multiple people to hospital.
Victims include a senior citizen who is reportedly in critical condition, as well as two VPD officers who are being treated for undisclosed injuries.
According to police, the incident began around 5:30 am when a vehicle was spotted driving erratically near Comox and Broughton streets.
A VPD release said the vehicle struck numerous objects and entered the Nelson Park dog area, where several witnesses reported having to scramble out of the way to avoid being hit.
Unfortunately, the senior, who was riding a motorized scooter, was unable to evade the erratic driver.
The suspect was eventually stopped after allegedly ramming a police cruiser that was responding to the scene, an act that caused significant damage to both vehicles.
“The suspect was trapped inside the vehicle and arrested near Comox and Bute streets,” the VPD release explained. “Multiple ambulances responded along with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services who were able to free the man from the wreckage.”
A motive remains unclear at this time, but the Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident and the VPD promised additional updates as information becomes available.
