A suspect is facing charges after allegedly stealing an RCMP cruiser and taking it for a joyride in Metro Vancouver overnight.
Mounties said the incident started during a routine traffic stop on the Lougheed Highway in Mission around 2:30 a.m. Friday.
While an officer was talking to a driver at the side of the road, the passenger allegedly ran into the Mountie's cruiser and took off.
Since cruisers are equipped with GPS tracking systems, the RCMP was easily able to locate the vehicle in neighbouring Maple Ridge, where it appeared to be going in circles.
Officers managed to stop the cruiser further down the Lougheed Highway using a spike belt. They said the suspect drove into a ditch then fled the scene on foot, but was found him shortly after in a nearby motorhome.
The suspect, whose name hasn't been released, is well known to police but was not wanted on any outstanding warrants. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
The RCMP said it's unclear what prompted him to allegedly steal the cruiser.
The driver who was pulled over was released.
