People from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek arrested as police launch appeal over alleged dangerous driving on Highway 97

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Highway Patrol is asking for witnesses and video footage of an incident on Highway 97 following five arrests of people from Fort St. John or Dawson Creek. 

Police received a report on January 28th at 1.30 p.m. of a Volkswagen with Alberta plates allegedly driving dangerously southbound on Highway 97 near Bear Lake. 

Patrol officers say they spotted a dark Volkswagen SUV and attempted to stop the vehicle, but it drove away at high speed. 

The Prince George RCMP and RCMP dog services were alerted, along with other officers. 

Officers used multiple ways to stop the vehicle, including the use of a spike belt that deflated two tires. 

However, the vehicle drove until 3 p.m. when it reached Nielson Road, Prince George. 

Corporal Michael McLaughlin, media relations officer for BC Highway Patrol, in a written statement said: “When the vehicle stopped, five occupants ran away, with two of them allegedly breaking into a home while a resident was inside. 

“…Now we need more witnesses and dash camera video for the next phase of the investigation.” 

The vehicle, which has been described as a black Volkswagen Taos, and the Alberta licence plates were both reported stolen.  

BC Highway Patrol are investigating if various offences occurred, including dangerous driving, impaired driving (drugs), possession of stolen property, breaking and entering into a residence, breach of probation and release orders and others.

Five people were arrested – a 27-year-old man from Fort St. John, 35-year-old Dawson Creek man, a 30-year-old Dawson Creek woman, a 28-year-old man of no fixed address and a 26-year-old man whose location was not provided. 

One person received medical treatment for minor injuries related to an arrest with a police dog and no other injuries were reported.

“This investigation involves serious allegations that presented a high risk to public safety,” says Corporal McLaughlin.

BC Highway Patrol is asking for people’s help with witnesses and video of the car and suspects to call BC Highway Patrol – Prince George at 250-649-4004 and quote file (3100) 2026-83.