A Quesnel man is facing eight criminal charges after an incident Sunday that started in Quesnel and ended with an arrest on Massey Drive in Prince George.
Eric Roger Johnson has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, impaired driving, assault a peace officer with a weapon, assaulting a peace officer, two counts of failing to stop for police, and possession of property obtained by crime.
The events unfolded around 2:30 p.m. Sunday when Quesnel RCMP received a report that a pickup truck had been stolen from the parking lot of a local business. Quesnel RCMP located the vehicle travelling north towards Prince George on Highway 97. An attempt was made to stop the vehicle, however the driver fled at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue.
Prince George RCMP, with the assistance of the RCMP’s Air 3 helicopter, located the vehicle near Red Rock, approximately 30 kilometres south of Prince George. After the driver again refused to stop for police, the vehicle was tracked into Prince George.
Just before 4 p.m., several officers intercepted the vehicle near the southwest end of Massey Drive. While attempting to evade police, a collision occurred between the stolen vehicle and a marked police car. No one was injured.
If you have any information about property related crimes, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.