DAWSON CREEK -- Dawson Creek RCMP are looking for a suspect following a brazen gateway that damaged police cruisers and a retaining wall during an incident at a gas station on Alaska Highway.
Shortly after 4:00 a.m. Monday morning, RCMP approached a vehicle in the parking lot of the Tempo Gas Bar located on 1700 Alaska Ave matching the description of a truck stolen in Beaverlodge earlier that morning.
According to police, the Ford F-350 was running with its lights on and the male driver was observed ‘passed out’ at the wheel.
Police also allege the handle of a long gun was seen sticking out of a bag inside the locked truck.
Startled by the police presence, it is alleged the man awoke and fled the scene by repeatedly accelerating and reversing into three police cruisers and a retaining wall.
RCMP made the decision not to pursue the truck citing the possible risk to public safety.
At 9:12 a.m., Ovintiv gas plant workers called police to report a suspicious person with blood on his face that matched a description of the suspect, and minutes later, at 9:26 a.m., mounties received another call for a suspicious vehicle matching the description of the truck abandoned on 237 Road near Highway 97 in Farmington.
A three hour ground search by the K9 team ensued but failed to locate the man, police believe he may have been picked up.
The suspect is being described as an Indigenous man in his 30s, wearing dark clothing, and carrying a backpack.
No injuries to police officers or extent of damage caused in the incident have been reported.
Dawson Creek RCMP are asking anyone with information or dash-cam footage of the area during the time of the incident to contact them at (250) 784-3700.
