A senior was critically injured and two police officers were taken to hospital after a driver allegedly rammed into several vehicles in Vancouver’s West End early Friday morning. The Vancouver Police Department said the incident was reported at approximately 5:30 a.m., when a black Jeep was spotted driving erratically in the area of Comox and Broughton streets, “striking numerous objects, including the Nelson Park dog area.” “Several witnesses nearby had to scramble to get out of the way of the suspect’s vehicle,” the VPD said in a news release. Police said the man also intentionally drove along a sidewalk. “It’s certainly been a very disturbing, traumatic morning,” said Const. Darren Wong. “Unfortunately, there was an elderly senior that was driving a motorized scooter that was not able to evade the vehicle and was struck in the incident.” Authorities said the suspect was eventually stopped after he crashed into a responding police vehicle, destroying the cruiser and flipping over his own vehicle in the process. The suspect then became trapped inside the wreckage, police said. Multiple ambulances responded to the scene, along with Vancouver fire crews who were able to eventually free the man. He was then arrested near Comox and Bute streets. Lorena Leal, who lives nearby, told CTV News she heard a loud thump and went outside to check it out. She said it appeared the police cruiser had pulled in front of the vehicle to stop it. “It was very traumatic. I thought it was just that and then it continued. The dog park…the gate entrance was destroyed,” she said. “It was really, really upsetting.” Leal said fortunately no one was at the dog park when the vehicle drove through it. “It was empty…we get the regulars that come and no children were out…thankfully,” she said. Leal described the driver as a white man in his late 20s, with a medium build and dirty blonde hair. “He wasn’t wearing a shirt…I think he had blue pyjama bottoms,” she said. “When it happened…the crash and everything, he let out a yell and then after that he was quiet. His arms were up and the police were surrounding him.” Leal said the whole ordeal was surreal. “You don’t (expect to) wake up (to that) especially in a neighbourhood like this.” The senior remains in hospital in critical condition. The two police officers are also in hospital being treated for injuries. Police added that issues with mental health and drug use are believed to be possible factors in the incident. The investigation is still in its early stages and the motive remains unclear at this time. As of Friday afternoon, Comox Street between Thurlow and Bute was closed off to the public while authorities continue their investigation. This is a developing story and will be updated.
