Quesnel RCMP arrested a man after using a spike belt to stop a stolen vehicle, RCMP said was driving dangerously through the streets of Quesnel. RCMP seized 1.3 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, drugs, ammunition, a replica handgun and $7,000 in cash, a news release said.
According to Mounties, on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at approximately 10 p.m., the Quesnel RCMP attempted a traffic stop on a white Audi SUV on Carson Avenue but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. An hour later, the police observed the Audi reportedly driving dangerously on Anderson Drive, narrowly causing a collision with another vehicle. After the Audi failed to stop for police a second time, it was reported stolen by the owner.
At approximately 11:50 p.m., the police located the Audi travelling south on Highway 97 and successfully disabled the vehicle with a spike belt deployment at Red Bluff Road. The driver ran from the vehicle and was apprehended a short distance away with the assistance of a police dog.
It was fortunate that the driver of the Audi did not hurt anyone with his aggressive and dangerous driving. The driver had a blatant disregard for the safety of the public with reports of erratic driving, crossing the centre line, failing to stop, and almost causing collisions with other vehicles. It is also alleged the driver purposefully drove toward a police officer as he was deploying a spike belt,
said Staff Sergeant Richard Weseen, of the Quesnel RCMP.
Farbn Japow, 23, was charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, drive while prohibited, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon, fail to comply with probation order, and fail to comply with release order. At the time of his arrest, Japow had outstanding warrants out of two different jurisdictions, was on probation and was prohibited from driving and possessing firearms, said police.
Japow was remanded into custody and his next court appearance is on August 26, 2024 in Quesnel.
