A wanted man is behind bars after neighbours and a VicPD dog team tracked and arrested him after fleeing from police who attempted to pull him over last Wednesday.
A VicPD dogmaster was driving in the area of Catherine Street when he noticed an older-model black Chevrolet Cavalier speeding in the area. The officer attempted to pull the car over, but the driver refused to stop.
Hearing the sirens, an alert neighbour, who was out on his patio, noticed the car pull over quickly and a man run from the vehicle. As other officers arrived on scene, the neighbour called out to them, directing them towards where the man had run.
Police officers followed the neighbour’s directions and the Police Service Dog picked up the track.
The 32-year-old Shawnigan Lake man was quickly located and found to be the subject of two outstanding warrants for his arrest. In addition to those warrants, officers are recommending two additional charges of flight from police and obstructing a police officer.
• Victoria Police Department has two new officers.
Aaron Mitic and Jillian Shields were officially sworn in by Chief Frank Elsner in a ceremony at VicPD Headquarters recently. They were welcomed by friends, family, colleagues and a representative from the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board.
“Times like these are what I cherish as a chief,” said Elsner. “Welcoming two such dedicated people into our family, to proudly serve Victoria and Esquimalt, is truly an honour.”
Both Mitic and Shields have been active members of VicPD’s reserve constable program and have already given thousands of hours of service to Victoria and Esquimalt through their years as volunteers.