Man charged with dangerous driving, fleeing police in West Vancouver

Police surround a white Chrysler after using a spike belt to stop the vehicle on the Sea to Sky Highway on Oct. 30, 2025. (Handout)

Months after a wild incident on the Sea to Sky Highway that ended with police using a spike belt to apprehend an alleged speeder, a suspect has been criminally charged.

Derek Devin Silva, a 38-year-old Squamish resident, is facing counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from law enforcement, the West Vancouver Police Department announced this week.

Authorities previously said they clocked a white 2005 Chrysler 300C going 194 km/h down Highway 1 on the night of Oct. 30.

A police officer tried pulling the car over with lights and siren activated but the driver sped off, heading up Highway 99 toward Squamish, according to the WVPD.

Authorities said they did not give chase, but that B.C. Highway Patrol officers ultimately stopped the Chrysler with a spike belt north of the community of Porteau Cove and took a suspect into custody.

“It was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in significant injury or death to members of the public and responding officers,” said WVPD spokesperson Suzanne Birch, in a statement.

“We understand the concern incidents like this cause for the local community, and we thank the officers involved for bringing this incident to an end quickly and safely.”

At the time of the incident, authorities also said the suspect was issued an immediate 24-hour driving prohibition.