Hope RCMP seek witnesses after driver pulled dangerous U-turn to escape police

A man who pulled a U-turn into oncoming traffic on Highway 1 was attempting to flee police. (Courtesy: Hope RCMP)

A wrong-way driver who travelled towards oncoming traffic while trying to flee police on Highway 1 is facing multiple charges for dangerous driving.

The incident occurred just before 9:30 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 17, Hope RCMP said in a release issued Tuesday.

A BC Highway Patrol officer was attempting to stop a man who had been speeding while driving a white pickup truck eastbound on Highway 1, at the Laidlaw Road exit west of Hope, the release said.

“Fortunately, the westbound drivers immediately slowed down and pulled over, thus avoiding tragedy,” police said.

The white pickup truck was found shortly after, abandoned nearby. It was found to be stolen, said police.

A man who matched the description of its driver was located on foot nearby and arrested half an hour after the chase began.

A 36-year-old Surrey man, already known to police, is facing charges related to dangerous driving, possession of stolen property, and driving while prohibited in connection with the incident.

Police said the man’s name will not be released until charges are formally laid during his first court appearance, set for March 4 next year.

Hope RCMP are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the driver of the pickup, or has dash-cam video of the incident, to contact them at 604-869-7750 and quote file 2024-54453.