Video from a police helicopter shows how officers in a B.C. city tracked and arrested a man who allegedly fled from law enforcement in a stolen vehicle earlier this month.
The Abbotsford Police Department responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on Dec. 9 around noon, according to a statement posted online Tuesday.
“Ground units quickly located the vehicle but disengaged and transferred control to the (Lower Mainland District) Urban Patrol Helicopter Air 1,” according to the department.
“From above, Air 1 tracked the vehicle as the driver continued to operate dangerously, while members of our Gang Crime Unit and Patrol Division co-ordinated efforts on the ground.”
Video posted online with the statement captures the pursuit, along with commentary from inside the helicopter.
“He’s picked up some speed here,” one of the people in the helicopter says. Soon after, the video shows the driver going the wrong way on the road—almost colliding head-on with another vehicle, prompting a loud cry of “ooh” from the people in the helicopter witnessing the near miss.
“He’s arrestable for dangerous (operation of a motor vehicle) for sure,” a voice says, adding “he is in full flight mode.”
Police bring the vehicle they are pursuing to a stop using a PIT maneuver, after which the driver can be seen getting out and running before being arrested with the assistance of a police dog.
Dale Macpherson, 40, has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police, according to authorities.
“This incident highlights how teamwork in policing ensures offenders are held accountable and brought before the courts,” the statement from police concludes.
