Senior critically injured, officers hospitalized after vehicle ramming incident, Vancouver police say

Authorities said the suspect was eventually stopped after he crashed into a responding police vehicle, destroying the cruiser and flipping over his own vehicle in the process. (Vancouver Police Department)

A senior was critically injured and two police officers were taken to hospital after a driver allegedly rammed into several vehicles in Vancouver’s West End early Friday morning.

The Vancouver Police Department said the incident was reported at approximately 5:30 a.m., when a vehicle was spotted being driven erratically in the area of Comox and Broughton streets, “striking numerous objects, including the Nelson Park dog area.“

“Several witnesses nearby had to scramble to get out of the way of the suspect’s vehicle,” the VPD said in a news release.

Police said the man also intentionally drove along a sidewalk.

The senior was riding a motorized scooter and was unable to get out of the way in time, police said.

Authorities said the suspect was eventually stopped after he crashed into a responding police vehicle, destroying the cruiser and flipping over his own vehicle in the process.

The suspect then became trapped inside the wreckage, police said. Multiple ambulances responded to the scene, along with Vancouver fire crews who were able to eventually free the man.

He was then arrested near Comox and Bute streets.

The senior remains in hospital in critical condition. The two police officers are also in hospital being treated for injuries.

Police added that issues with mental health and drug use are believed to be possible factors in the incident.

The investigation is still in its early stages and the motive remains unclear at this time.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, Comox Street between Thurlow and Bute was closed off to the public while authorities continue their investigation.

This is a developing story and will be updated.