Hit and run suspect caught by police

West Shore RCMP arrested a prohibited driver who is also alleged to have caused a hit and run. The suspect is identified as a 33-year-old man who was riding a motorcycle.

On June 9 at approximately 12:18 p.m., police attended a parking lot near the 3300 block of Metchosin Rd in Colwood, for a report of a man who appeared to be intoxicated and trying to start a motorcycle. The suspect tried to flee from police but was stopped by officers. Officers arrested the suspect who was exhibited symptoms of alcohol impairment and pursued an impaired driving investigation.

Officers observed the motorcycle matched the description of a motorcycle involved in a hit and run that was reported to police earlier in the day. Police had received a complaint that a motorcycle side swiped a vehicle near the 4900 block of Sooke Rd in Metchosin. The motorcycle was illegally driving on the shoulder when it side swiped a Mazda CX-5. A witness was able to provide police with the licence plate of the motorcycle.

The suspect was also prohibited from driving at the time of his arrest and was bound by conditions to not be in the driver’s seat of any motor vehicle.

The motorcycle was impounded and the suspect was held in custody and brought before the courts on June 11. He was released with an upcoming court date and charged with the following offences:

• Breach of release order, contrary to section 145(5)(a) Criminal Code;
• Wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer, contrary to section 129(a) Criminal Code;
• Refuse to provide a Breath Sample, contrary to section 320.15(1) Criminal Code.
• 4 Counts of driving while prohibited, contrary to section 102(a) and 95(1)(a) Motor Vehicle Act.