Charges laid against alleged gangster more than a year after Abbotsford pursuit
Police in Abbotsford say an erratic driver who was arrested after a 90-minute pursuit by an RCMP helicopter more than a year ago is now facing drug charges.
The incident occurred on Oct. 12, 2021. Officers were called to Highway 1 near the Langley border, where they attempted to stop the eastbound driver.
The man failed to stop, and officers did not pursue him on the ground as he fled, police said in a news release Tuesday. Instead, Air 1, the Lower Mainland's police helicopter, followed the vehicle, observing the driver "running numerous stop signs, passing cars unsafely and forcing oncoming vehicle traffic onto the shoulder of the road while driving at excessive speeds."
The vehicle stopped in Chilliwack, where Abbotsford police officers took 45-year-old Jason Himpfen into custody with the help of Lower Mainland Police Dog Services and the Chilliwack RCMP.
Police said they searched Himpfen's vehicle and found a total of 370 grams of drugs, specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine.
On Tuesday, nearly 16 months after the arrest, the BC Prosecution Service approved charges against the now-47-year-old, according to Abbotsford police. Himpfen has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, flight from police and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
PRIOR WARNING ABOUT SUSPECT
The helicopter pursuit that ended in Himpfen's arrest came a few months after police issued a rare public warning about him.
In July 2021, Abbotsford police warned that Himpfen had alleged gang ties and could pose a "significant risk" to public safety.
Police cited what they called "compelling circumstances" that led them to believe Himpfen could be targeted with violence, though they didn't elaborate on the specifics of those circumstances, beyond alleging that he was involved in the Lower Mainland gang conflict.
"As many gang-related shootings occur in public places, this means that Jason Himpfen's presence in public creates a serious risk to public safety," the department said at the time.
HELICOPTER VIDEO RELEASED
Abbotsford police released video of the helicopter pursuit that led to Himpfen's arrest alongside their statement Tuesday.
The two-minute clip shows a black vehicle speeding along rural roads, frequently pulling into the oncoming lane to pass other vehicles.
“This offender, who refused to stop for police, exhibited careless disregard for the citizens of Abbotsford and Chilliwack," said Insp. Kevin Murray, in Tuesday's statement.
"We are fortunate to have had the assistance of Air 1, which captured the scope of the dangerous driving in question. The sizable quantity of drugs seized by AbbyPD officers would have otherwise hit our streets and imperiled even more lives than the ones he imperiled through his reckless driving behaviour."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.