Man seen sprinting on Abbotsford road allegedly involved in overnight crash: Abbotsford PD

ABBOTSFORD – Police in Abbotsford are investigating an overnight accident in which a vehicle left the road, went over a retaining wall and crashed, and the impaired driver allegedly fled the scene before being apprehended by police.

According to a statement from the Abbotsford Police Department, AbbyPD patrol officers responded to a single-vehicle collision shortly before 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, Oct. 27.

Police say they received initial reports that a vehicle veered off the road, went over a retaining wall, and the driver had fled the scene on foot.

Just prior to the collision being reported, an AbbyPD officer who was conducting proactive patrols in downtown Abbotsford on an unrelated matter observed a man sprinting along Essendene Avenue in a manner that seemed suspicious.

Police say the officer briefly spoke with the individual, confirmed his identity, and, with no evidence of a crime at that time, allowed him to continue on his way since he hadn’t committed a criminal act at that moment.

Motor vehicle crash. (Image Credit: Josh Burton.)

Moments later, however, when the collision was reported and a suspect description was provided, the officer recognized the individual he had just spoken with as the driver involved in the crash.

Police say officers attended a nearby residence, located the suspect, and took him into custody. A 26-year-old Abbotsford man was issued a 90-day administrative driving ban after refusing to provide a breath sample.

Police say they will be recommending criminal charges of refusing to provide a breath sample, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, and obstruction. Police say additional investigative work might be required before submitting charges for approval to the BC Prosecution Service.

Police say additional charges might be considered as the investigation proceeds.

The driver was not injured, and no other vehicles were involved in the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, and dash camera footage or video from a nearby business or residence is asked to contact AbbyPD and quote file number 26-45904.