Stolen vehicle burned on Saanich, B.C., golf course: police

Golfers on 18th hole at Saanich’s Cedar Hill Golf Course on Sept. 23, 2021. (CTV News)

A police response to a reported stolen vehicle in Saanich ended with a burned-out car on a local golf course Tuesday night.

Saanich police said in a statement the situation began just after 9 p.m., when officers were called to a house in the 600 block of Jolly Place about a vehicle theft.

The vehicle was later spotted in the parking lot of the nearby Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, where officers attempted to intervene. Police say the driver fled the area, driving onto the adjacent Cedar Hill Golf Course and colliding with two police vehicles during the escape.

Officers chose not to pursue and instead contained the area.

Police say while maintaining the perimeter, crews later noticed smoke coming from the course. When they moved in to check, they found the stolen vehicle fully engulfed in flames on a fairway.

Saanich Fire Department was called in and extinguished the blaze.

The Integrated Canine Service tracked the suspect, who was located hiding in bushes nearby and taken into custody without incident.

Police say the individual remains in custody and is expected to appear in court. Investigators say they will recommend charges related to theft, the burning of the vehicle and any damage done to the golf course.

No injuries were reported. The extent of damage to the course is still being assessed.