A male suspect assaulted Vancouver Police officers and a police dog while attempting to steal a marked police vehicle from the Vancouver National Yards this morning.
City staff working in the National Yards called 9-1-1 just after 6 a.m. to notify police of a man who had illegally broken into a secure compound within the works yard. While VPD were able to stop him from stealing the police vehicle, the man fought with officers during the arrest. In addition, he kicked and punched the canine unit. According to VPD, the officers did not suffer serious injuries but the police dog had a tooth broken after being kicked by the would-be car thief.
The 66-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested and taken into custody.
“We are very fortunate that our officers and Canine unit were not seriously injured during the incident,” says Sergeant Aaron Roed, VPD. “This man was attempting to start the vehicle and flee before he was arrested for Assault Police Officer and Assault Police Dog.”
Police add that this incident comes one day after the same individual was arrested for uttering threats in Stanley Park, taken to jail, and released on an Undertaking to Appear with conditions. He has been taken to a local hospital for assessment and remains in hospital.
Vancouver Police are recommending multiple charges including Assault Police Officer and Assault Police Dog.
