A man sustained minor injuries while trying to stop another man from stealing his car Monday morning in Maple Ridge.
Police were called at 7:15 a.m. about the attempted vehicle theft on 222 Street near Dewdney Trunk Road.
The owner of a Toyota Corolla saw a man trying to steal his car. The owner then opened the driver's side door of the car and grabbed the suspect, who drove the car forward. The owner was dragged some distance before letting go. He suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries, according to Ridge Meadows RCMP.
The suspect then crashed the car, which still had anti-theft devices on the steering wheel. He ran away and was last seen running through yards, and apartment complexes in the area in a southeast direction. The suspect is a caucasian man, 5'10" to 6'0" tall, with a medium build and a goatee.
A police dog and handler with the RCMP Integrated Police Dog Services were brought in, but lost the track on 223rd Street, near Selkirk Avenue.
“We are quite relieved that the victim was not seriously injured in this incident," Cpl. Alanna Dunlop said. "We are doing everything possible to catch the suspect, and bring him to justice. We do caution our citizens. If you observe a crime in progress to call police as soon as possible, and let us handle the situation. We do not want innocent persons putting themselves in harm’s way, as this can lead to serious consequences.”
• Anyone who witnessed the attempted theft is asked to contact Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251. To remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a TIP online at www.bccrimestoppers.com.