The driver was finally cornered on the Patricia Bay Highway at Sayward Road about 10 a.m. when his vehicle was pinned against a barrier by Saanich police.
A man is facing three charges after a series of near collisions and other dangerous driving incidents in Greater Victoria on Sunday morning.
Saanich police said officers received a report of a white Mitsubishi RVR being driven in a dangerous manner on West Saanich Road about 6:30 a.m. Sunday. Witnesses told police the vehicle almost left the roadway several times, struck a curb, and was being driven in the oncoming traffic lane.
An officer responded to the area but was unable to locate the vehicle, and an alert was sent out to other police departments in the region.
Over the next few hours, the same vehicle was reported to have been involved in several dangerous driving incidents on the Saanich Peninsula, including near collisions with civilian and police vehicles and failure to stop for police officers.
The driver was finally cornered on the Patricia Bay Highway at Sayward Road about 10 a.m.
Witnesses reported seeing officers with weapons drawn near the Chevron and Petro-Canada gas stations. Others on social media passing northbound indicated the vehicle may have been rammed by a police cruiser to force a stop.
Saanich police said three of its vehicles were used to make “intentional contact” with the Mitsubishi, pinning it against a barrier.
B.C. Emergency Health Services said it received a call at 10:06 a.m. regarding the police incident. One ambulance with primary care paramedics responded and provided emergency medical treatment and transported one patient to hospital in stable condition.
Police said the driver of the vehicle was arrested.
Jason Speare, who was born in 1972, faces charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a conveyance, and flight from police.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Drivers were asked to find alternate routes if they were heading southbound from the Saanich Peninsula and were warned about significant delays.
Southbound lanes were closed from Sayward Road to Island View Road until about 2:40 p.m. Vehicles, including ferry traffic, were detoured via Island View Road at East Saanich Road.
“Saanich Police would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this traffic disruption, which was probably frustrating on this sunny Sunday,” said a statement from the police department.
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