A smashed SUV, a flattened fence, and a handful of fleeing occupants set off a police search in Vancouver yesterday, ending with officers arresting a man they say was behind the wheel after tracking him to a nearby apartment complex. Vancouver police shared photos of the wrecked vehicle, the damaged fence, and the on-scene response in a social media post.
How officers say the search unfolded
According to the Vancouver Police Department, officers responded to a hit-and-run collision where an SUV slammed into a fence and several people bailed out, running from the scene. Police say K9 Remi and officers set up containment and, after following tips from community members, focused on a nearby apartment complex where two people matching witness descriptions were found.
One person complied when contacted by officers, the department said. The person police identified as the driver took off on foot, allegedly tossed a firearm while running, and was eventually located at the top of a staircase, where officers took him into custody without incident.
K9 teams and neighborhood tips
The City of Vancouver’s K9 unit page notes that VPD dog teams are trained for tracking, building searches and containment and often work alongside patrol officers. The department lists K9 Remi as a patrol and search dog partnered with Officer Jason Haigwood, a team used for follow-ups on neighborhood tips. That training and deployment, officials say, helps quickly narrow down large search areas when witnesses call in locations and descriptions.
Charges and legal implications
Vancouver police identified the arrested man as Ernesto Martin-Reyes and stated he was booked on counts including possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstructing a law enforcement officer, according to the Vancouver Police Department…