A man is facing multiple charges following a series of dangerous driving incidents that spanned several jurisdictions across the Saanich Peninsula on Sunday (June 29) morning.
Saanich police say they received a report around 6:30 a.m. about a white Mitsubishi RVR being driven erratically southbound on West Saanich Road. The vehicle had reportedly swerved off the roadway multiple times, struck a curb and veered into oncoming traffic.
Although officers initially couldn’t locate the vehicle, a region-wide alert was sent to neighbouring police agencies.
Over the next several hours, the Mitsubishi was involved in more dangerous driving incidents across the region, including failing to stop for police and narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles – both civilian and police – according to Saanich police.
The vehicle re-entered Saanich's jurisdiction around 9:30 a.m., where officers observed further reckless behaviour. Police say the driver posed a serious threat to public safety, prompting authorization for officers to make intentional contact if it could be done safely.
Shortly before 10 a.m., three Saanich police vehicles successfully intercepted the Mitsubishi on the southbound lanes of the Pat Bay Highway near Sayward Road.
Due to the drivers' disregard for public safety, the police authorized intentional contact with the Mitsubishi, with three Saanich police vehicles pinning the vehicle against a barrier to prevent it from fleeing.
The driver, Jason Speare, was arrested at the scene. He is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a conveyance and flight from police.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court later this week.
