An early-morning nap helped New West police nab a suspected car thief.
The New Westminster Police Department says its patrol officers responded to a call about a suspicious car parked on Churchill Street in the Massey Victory Heights neighbourhood. When officers attended at around 5 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26, they could see a man sleeping in the driver’s seat.
Because the man didn’t match the description of the vehicle’s registered owner, officers contacted the registered owner – who confirmed his car had been stolen overnight, said a NWPD news release.
According to the police department, officers conducted “a tactical arrest” of the male occupant, as a means of ensuring the man didn’t flee in the vehicle and cause a pursuit.
“As the suspect slept, officers placed a spike belt in front and behind the vehicle to prevent the driver from fleeing the area,” explained Sgt. Justine Thom in the news release. “Thankfully, these weren’t needed, as the driver was safely taken into custody.”
Bryan Hintz, a 33-year-old resident of Edmonton, has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, theft of motor and possession of instruments suitable for the purpose of breaking into a motor vehicle.
“Officers are appreciative to the person who called police to report the suspicious vehicle,” said the NWPD’s news release.
Non-emergency crimes can be reported to the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411. Emergencies or crimes in progress can be shared with police by calling 911.
