A man wanted in Langley was arrested after leading police on what they called a dangerous “detour” through Surrey on Feb. 23.
Luc Hodgkindson, wanted in Langley on three warrants, is now facing possible charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance and breach of probation.
Surrey RCMP were called at around 7 p.m. after a truck was stolen in the Newton neighbourhood. The Chevy pick-up was equipped with an onboard tracking system, however, allowing police to pinpoint its location in North Surrey.
The RCMP’s Air 2 helicopter began following the truck, giving officers on the ground the chance to position themselves without getting involved in a chase.
The man, who police said is a “prolific thief,” drove through red lights, into oncoming traffic, through a fence and onto school grounds.
Air 2 requested the tracking system to immobilize the truck, which ended up near 140 Street and 64 Avenue. The driver fled the vehicle, running through an apartment construction site. The Emergency Response Team and Lower Mainland Police Dog Services eventually located the man hiding in the attic of one of the apartment units.
“This was a classic example of a carefully co-ordinated integrated response which ended in the successful apprehension of this prolific offender,” said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Drew Grainger.
“With the help of our integrated police partners in the air and on the ground, along with the advantage of an onboard tracking system in this situation, the RCMP is able to catch criminals who endanger innocent lives and put the public at risk with their erratic driving behaviour.”