Man, 41, arrested after allegedly stealing police car: VPD

Vancouver police say a man with a lengthy criminal record - including more than 50 prior convictions - is back in custody after allegedly stealing a police car and driving it dangerously through a park filled with families on Sunday morning.

The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. in East Vancouver, when officers stopped to assist a woman in distress. While police were helping the woman, the 41-year-old suspect allegedly jumped into the unattended patrol vehicle and sped off, driving toward a group of families gathered at Templeton Park.

Police say the man, described as a “prolific offender,” was arrested within three minutes after the vehicle was stolen. He was apprehended with the assistance of a police dog and later taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Authorities say they are recommending multiple charges, including theft, possession of stolen property, and driving offences.

VPD spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said the suspect’s actions could have had deadly consequences, noting that “this kind of reckless and criminal behaviour could easily have killed or seriously injured people enjoying their weekend.”

The case once again raises concerns about repeat offenders in B.C.’s criminal justice system - an issue that has drawn significant attention in communities like Surrey, Abbotsford, and Burnaby, where residents have expressed frustration about repeat arrests and early releases.