Whistler police arrested a man with a history of offences after finding a loaded handgun during a traffic stop on Saturday, March 20, and remain on the lookout for another suspect who managed to flee authorities, according to a release.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Whistler RCMP received a report of a traffic complaint from Squamish of two vehicles speeding northbound and driving erratically on Highway 99.
Officers conducted a traffic stop of one of the vehicles, a black Mercedes Benz CLS55 with Ontario plates, just south of Spring Creek Drive. Police soon learned that the two male occupants had “a history of violent offences, including firearm offences,” the release said.
While searching the suspects, police said they found a loaded handgun in a Gucci “man-purse.” The firearm will be sent in for further forensic analysis, police added.
After being pat down, the vehicle's passenger then reportedly fled police, running across Highway 99, jumping a concrete barrier and venturing down an embankment.
Despite setting up a perimeter, which included assistance from a canine unit, police, who drew their weapons in the search, said they were unable to locate the suspect “but can confirm that the man was not in possession of a weapon when he fled from police.” Police also noted the suspect at large has been identified and the investigation is ongoing.
The other suspect, the driver of the vehicle, was arrested on various firearms offences and later released with a future court date, police said. Both men are being investigated for possible firearm offences, police added.
“Whistler RCMP would like to thank the Whistler [residents] in the Function Junction area for their [patience] during the event,” the release went on.
Police said they did not observe the second vehicle, a black BMW X5 with B.C. plates, that was reportedly speeding and driving erratically.
Anyone with relevant information on the incident is asked to contact the Whistler RCMP at 604 932-3044, or Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
This story has been updated since publication.
