When a driver refused to pull over for a Langley RCMP officer early on New Year’s Day, he touched off a pursuit that involved multiple police units, a helicopter and the use of a spike belt to bring the car chase to a halt.
According to the police report of the incident, it all began around 11:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve when a 1996 Acura sedan passed an RCMP cruiser on the right at a high rate of speed in the area of 208 Street and Grade Crescent.
When the driver refused to pull over, the Air One police helicopter was called in.
The chase ended around 1 a.m. New Year’s Day near 195 Street and 72 Avenue after a spike belt was deployed to flatten the fleeing vehicle’s tires.
The car was confirmed stolen from Surrey.
Multiple charges have laid against 40-year-old Robert Patrick Joachim Mercier, including dangerous operation of a conveyance, flight from police, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and breach of probation order.
Mercier is currently in custody.
His next court appearance, an interim release hearing, is scheduled for next week on Wednesday, Jan. 16.