A dangerous driver who pointed a shotgun at someone in Langford and later tried to outrun authorities was arrested after getting stuck in traffic, according to police.
West Shore RCMP received reports Sunday afternoon that an erratic and aggressive driver, who was identified to them, was under the influence of drugs.
Officers spotted him travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway near Aspen Road at around 3:50 p.m. They said they tried to intercept the suspect vehicle in a traffic stop, but the driver fled.
Police did not pursue him based on a traffic risk assessment, and because they were aware of his identity.
They received another complaint at around 6 p.m. that a man driving a similar vehicle pulled a shotgun on a member of the public in a road rage incident.
Officers said they found him at Leigh Road and Goldstream Avenue and once again tried to stop him, but he raced off at speeds of up to 140 kilometres an hour, police said.
They caught up to him after he got stuck in traffic on Six Mile Road in View Royal, and the suspect surrendered without incident.
Police recovered a shotgun and large knife from the vehicle.
They later learned of allegations that the suspect vehicle repeatedly backed up into another occupied vehicle at one point during the day, sending that driver to hospital with whiplash.
“It’s a great relief to have arrested this guy,” said Const. Alex Berube. “Obviously he was causing quite a scene throughout the day, causing injuries to one of the drivers and putting other people’s safety at risk.”
Police said the suspect remains in custody and faces up to 15 charges related to firearm possession, dangerous driving, breach of probation and driving under the influence.
He was scheduled to appear at West Communities Provincial Court on Monday.
