North Vancouver RCMP officer injured during arrest of reckless driver on Highway 1

North Vancouver RCMP is investigating after a man allegedly drove recklessly, assaulted and attempted to disarm police officers.

On August 23rd, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., North Vancouver RCMP received several reports alleging sightings of an erratic driver on Highway 1 westbound near Mountain Highway.

Officers located the vehicle believed to be the subject of the reports (a red Dodge Caravan) near East 13th Street and St. Georges Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to pull over and continued driving. Due to increased public safety concerns, officers did not pursue the car.

The vehicle was later re-acquired driving near Lonsdale Avenue and West 22nd Street, where it crashed into the sidewalk. After crashing, the driver left on foot, and a foot pursuit ensued. He was ultimately taken into custody, but not before he allegedly assaulted police officers and attempted to disarm one police officer during the arrest process. One officer was injured and was taken to the hospital and later released.

On August 23rd, 2024, the BC Prosecution Service formally charged Benjamin Kohlman, 45 years old of New Westminster with the following seven charges;

One count- Dangerous operation of Motor Vehicle

One count – Flight form peace officer

One count- Fail to stop at scene of accident

One count – resist or obstruct peace officer

One count- disarming a peace officer

2 counts- Assault on a peace officer

Kohlman is in custody and his next court appearance is set for August 26th, 2024.

“The investigation is still ongoing and officers are looking to speak to anyone who was in the area of Highway 1 and Mountain Highway, East Keith Road at Queensbury Avenue, East 13th Street and St. Georges Avenue and may have witnessed anything,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP. “Investigators are specifically looking to speak to anyone who’s dash cam or CCTV may have captured the vehicle driving erratically.”

Anyone with dash cam or CCTV of the Dodge Caravan being driven recklessly is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file number 24-17214.

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