LAKE LOUISE – RCMP deployed a spike belt and called in dog teams to track a man on the run through the woods near Mosquito Creek in Banff National Park Thursday afternoon.
Police say RCMP from Lake Louise and Banff detachments, along with Parks Canada law enforcement wardens, intercepted a vehicle that had fled from RCMP and Parks Canada near Jasper during the course of an investigation into damage to a Parks Canada gate.
Staff Sgt Mike Buxton-Carr, Banff RCMP detachment commander, said police used a spike belt to stop the vehicle on Highway 93 North near Saskatchewan River Crossing.
“The RCMP did not attempt to pull over the vehicle, given the risk to public safety associated with a pursuit,” said Buxton-Carr.
“RCMP deployed a tire deflation device when the vehicle reached a location determined to present the lowest risk to the driver and the public.
“The deployment was successful, and the driver fled on foot into the wooded area west of Highway 93.”
Both Parks Canada’s dog team and the RCMP dog team were called in to track the man.
Buxton-Carr said the adult man was tracked for about 2.5 km through the woods before he was caught
“The suspect is in custody pending an appearance before a Justice of the Peace,” he said.
A heavy police presence descended on the area about 12:30 p.m. and the man was in custody about an hour later.
At the time, RCMP said there was no threat to public safety, but they urged motorists not to stop or pick up any hitchhikers.
Mosquito Creek is located 28 kms north of Lake Louise.
