A 34-year-old Vanderhoof man is in custody after an attempted carjacking in the Westgate Mall parking lot while fleeing from police, Saturday afternoon.
The man was wanted in Vanderhoof on an outstanding warrant for theft under $5,000, according to a statement issued by police. Prince George RCMP went to the man's workplace on Domano Boulevard at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday to arrest him.
The suspect gave the officer a false name, but was subsequently placed under arrest.
However, when the officer attempted to restrain the suspect he assaulted the officer and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area, the police statement said. The officer was not hurt in the altercation.
A manhunt involving several officers and a police service dog began for the suspect. When the police service dog and handler located the suspect hiding in a brushy area around 4 p.m., he fled across O'Grady Road into the Westgate Mall parking lot.
The suspect jumped into the back of a slowly-moving car in the parking lot and demanded the driver keep driving, the police statement said.
Police officers blocked the vehicle and ordered the suspect to get out of the car.
When the suspect refused the police service dog and handler removed the suspect from the car, when he was arrested and taken into custody.
During the arrest the suspect suffered a dog bite to his leg, and was taken to the University Hospital of Northern B.C. for treatment. Upon release from the hospital he will be held to face a bail hearing.
Police will request the suspect remain in custody. The suspect may face additional charges, including resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, escaping lawful custody and unlawful confinement.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300, www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca or texted to CRIMES (274637) using the keyword pgtips.
