Senior critically injured, two Vancouver police officers hurt after West End vehicle incident

A senior citizen remains in critical condition and two Vancouver Police Department officers were hospitalized after a driver allegedly rammed multiple vehicles and drove through part of Nelson Park in Vancouver’s West End early Friday morning.

According to Vancouver police, the incident began around 5:30 a.m. near Comox and Broughton streets when a vehicle was seen driving erratically and striking several objects, including an area near the Nelson Park dog park. Witnesses in the area reportedly moved out of the vehicle’s path to avoid being hit.

Police said the injured senior was operating a motorized scooter and was unable to avoid the suspect vehicle.

Investigators allege the driver later collided with a responding police cruiser near Comox and Bute streets, causing significant damage to the police vehicle and flipping the suspect’s car. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services assisted in removing the driver from the wreckage before the man was arrested at the scene. Multiple ambulances also responded.

Vancouver police said mental health and drug use issues are being examined as possible contributing factors. The VPD Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation and said the motive remains unclear.

Comox Street between Thurlow and Bute streets remained closed Friday morning as investigators continued to examine the scene.