What started as a distracted driving stop in Burnaby Wednesday morning ended in a hit-and-run that sent a local Mountie to hospital with a broken arm.
The officer, on foot, had attempted to stop a grey Dodge Nitro SUV at about 10 a.m. at the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Parker Street because the driver appeared to be using an electronic device behind the wheel, according to police.
The officer signalled for the driver to pull over, police said, but the man ignored her and took off southbound on Willingdon instead – hitting the Mountie in the process.
The officer was sent to hospital with a broken arm.
Burnaby RCMP are now searching for the suspect, described as a South Asian man with a heavy build, a shaved head and a tattoo on his left arm.
He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and grey sweatpants.
“We’d ask that the driver of the vehicle that struck this officer do the right thing and contact police,” Burnaby RCMP Supt. Chuck McDonald stated in a press release.
Anyone with information on the suspect or suspect vehicle is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999.
To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
