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erratic driver

Dangerous driver forces closure of Hwy.16

Jun 4, 2020 | 12:54 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—A man is in custody after driving erratically, and posing a risk to the public on Hwy.16 this morning (June 4).

McBride RCMP received a report of an erratic driver heading towards Prince George at around 8 a.m. An officer with the Prince George RCMP was dispatched to attempt to intercept the driver as he neared the City.

Police received another report from the public saying that the driver of the vehicle was deliberately trying to force on-coming vehicles off the road or to cause a head on collision.

“To have an on-coming vehicle drive right at you, narrowly missing a head on collision, is a terrifying situation for anyone driving on our highways.”—Cpl. Craig Douglass, Spokesperson, Prince George RCMP

RCMP attempted to pull the vehicle over near Purden Lake, however, the driver refused to stop, and continued to drive dangerously.

Police proceeded to close Hwy. 16 at Old Cariboo Hwy. in an attempt to keep the public safe. At around 9 a.m. officers decided to use spike belts and other tactics to stop the vehicle near the intersection of Hwy.16 and Giscome Rd.

“We are relieved and maybe a little shocked that this situation did not result in more serious injuries to members of the public, the police or the occupants of the car. I’m very proud of our officers, as well as those members of the public that called police without hesitation.”—Cpl. Craig Douglass, Spokesperson, Prince George RCMP

The adult male driver was arrested and remains in custody, while a female passenger—who was also taken into custody—was released shortly after.

RCMP say that the vehicle the suspect was driving was uninsured. No one was injured in relation to the incident and police continue to investigate.