20-year-old Langley man arrested after high-speed pursuit ends near Abbotsford mall (VIDEO)

ABBOTSFORD – Police in Abbotsford say a 20-year-old Langley man has been arrested after he was observed weaving in and out of traffic and driving at speeds of up to 180 km/h on Highway 1 last week.

According to a statement from AbbyPD spokesperson Sgt. Paul Walker, an RCMP Air 1 helicopter was conducting routine patrols last Wednesday, Oct. 28 at just after 3:30 p.m. when it saw a motorcycle being operated dangerously on Hwy. 1 in the Surrey area. The tactical flight officer aboard Air 1 observed the motorcycle reaching speeds of up to 180 km/h.

Air 1 alerted BC Highway Patrol officers, who attempted a traffic stop on Highway 1 in Langley. The rider failed to stop and continued eastbound at excessive speeds. Ground units disengaged while Air 1 maintained visual contact from the air.

Sgt. Walker says the rider continued to drive dangerously by weaving through traffic, riding on the shoulder, and entering active Highway 1 construction zones. At one point, the motorcycle struck a traffic pylon, causing the rider to nearly lose control. Despite this, the rider continued to place both themselves and other motorists at significant risk.

As the motorcycle approached Abbotsford, AbbyPD officers were notified and began coordinating efforts to safely apprehend the rider. Plainclothes officers were strategically positioned to assist with the arrest. Air 1 continued tracking the motorcycle as it exited Highway 1 and entered Highstreet Shopping Centre. After parking the motorcycle, the rider fled on foot. AbbyPD officers who were already in the area quickly located and arrested the suspect without further incident.

Charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, possession of stolen property, and driving while prohibited are being recommended against a 20- year-old Langley man, Sgt. Walker said.

“This arrest highlights the value of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies,” said Sergeant Paul Walker. “Through the coordinated efforts of RCMP Air 1, BC Highway Patrol, and AbbyPD officers on the ground, this dangerous situation was brought to a safe conclusion. Reckless driving at these speeds puts everyone on our roadways at risk. We want to remind motorists that road safety is a shared responsibility, and our agencies remain committed to working together to keep dangerous drivers off the road and our communities safe.”