A prolific offender with more than 50 criminal convictions is back in custody after stealing a police car Sunday morning and placing dozens of bystanders in harm’s way.

“This reckless and criminal behaviour could have killed or seriously injured innocent people. We are grateful to the VPD officers and the police service dog that responded immediately to stop this imminent public safety threat,” says Sergeant Steve Addison.

“We are recommending a number of serious criminal charges and asking that the suspect be held in custody. We expect the courts to take this very seriously.”

The Vancouver Police SUV was stolen around 10:45 a.m. Sunday morning, after VPD officers were flagged down near East Hastings and Semlin Drive to help a woman in distress. As the officers stepped out and turned their focus to the woman, the suspect got into the driver’s seat, stole the police car, and drove it toward a group of families at Templeton Park.

The suspect drove up on the grass field, near where young families gathered at a playground and kids played soccer. “It is hard to overstate how dangerous this behaviour was,” said Sergeant Addison, adding that one man went to hospital and was treated for minor injuries after nearly being struck head-on.

The 41-year-old suspect was arrested by a Vancouver Police canine officer approximately three minutes after the car was stolen. The suspect was taken to hospital and received treatment for injuries sustained while being apprehended by the police dog. Police are recommending multiple charges for theft, possession of stolen property, and driving offences.