A vehicle stop led to a car crashing into an indigenous canoe monument near Maffeo Sutton Park yesterday afternoon.
Reports of the motor vehicle incident came at approximately 4 p.m. April 30 after a car crashed into the monument on Comox Road and Front Street. Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said the situation originated from a vehicle stop at Newcastle Avenue, after an officer noticed the car had Wisconsin licence plates and insurance that had expired.
“The driver decided to flee and because we do not pursue for motor vehicle offences, and that’s all we had at that point, he let the vehicle go and informed other members that vehicle was proceeding southbound on Terminal Avenue,” said O’Brien.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue, RCMP on scene car collided into Squamish Canoe monument on Front Street.
— Chris Bush (@ChrisBushphotog) April 30, 2020
No word on injuries or cause.
More to come.#Nanaimo #Traffic @NanaimoBulletin pic.twitter.com/sdxmuFMjRZ
A few minutes later, there were multiple reports from people in the Front Street area that the vehicle had crashed, with three occupants, two female and one male, fleeing the scene.
“We had numerous members attend and I believe police dog services attended…” O’Brien said. “One adult female was located, she’s identified as a passenger, and based on evidence obtained at the scene, we’ve been able to identify who the other female was and the driver, and we’re pursuing charges against the driver at this point under the Motor Vehicle Act and possibly for the drug paraphernalia found in the vehicle,” O’Brien said.
The female suspect who was detained was released at the scene. No injuries were noted and the type of drug has not been identified at this point, O’Brien said.
“We’re certainly following up on why it has Wisconsin plates, who the registered owner is; we’re following up on all that,” said O’Brien.
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– files from Chris Bush, Nanaimo News Bulletin