Truck Thief Dumps Semi into Fraser River During Wild Police Chase
A dramatic police pursuit in Langley, British Columbia ended Wednesday night when a suspect drove a stolen semi truck into the Fraser River before attempting to flee on foot. The suspect was quickly apprehended after what police described as a “final reckless maneuver” in an hours-long chase.
The incident began around 7:35 p.m. on May 14th near 24 Avenue and 206 Street when officers spotted a bobtail semi truck with mismatched license plates, according to police reports.
Authorities didn’t attempt to stop the vehicle until about midnight, at which point the situation escalated rapidly. “When officers tried to pull over the truck, the driver attempted to ram police vehicles before fleeing the scene,” confirmed local officials. One police vehicle sustained damage in the confrontation.
Despite successfully deploying a spike strip that deflated one of the truck’s front tires, the theft suspect continued speeding through the area. Officers then initiated a full pursuit to protect public safety.
The chase intensified as the truck barreled through several neighborhoods, with the driver reportedly running red lights and swerving dangerously around other vehicles.
A second spike strip destroyed the truck’s back tires, but remarkably, the driver continued the desperate escape attempt. The dramatic chase culminated at a public dock area where the suspect drove down an embankment, sending the semi truck plunging into the Fraser River.
The driver abandoned the submerged vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but was quickly arrested nearby. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect, who remains in custody as the investigation continues. Charges are expected to include vehicle theft, dangerous driving, and fleeing police.