Cowardly killer

Police want your help to bring this man to justice. Photo was taken by B.C. Ferry terminal surveillance camera on Saturday morning.
CHEMAINUS, B.C. – Police across B.C. are hunting a suspected car thief blamed in the deaths of a motorbike rider and his female passenger.

A B.C. Ferry surveillance photo provides the best clue to the identity of the suspect who is alleged to have stolen a newer model Honda Accord from a North Vancouver home on Saturday before heading to Vancouver Island aboard a ferry.

Police said the fatal crash occurred when the suspect, driving the stolen vehicle, made an illegal left turn, cutting across the path of a male motorcyclist and his female passenger. Both of the bike riders died instantly.

“This incident started early Saturday morning in North Vancouver when an unknown male entered a residence, stole some property and the homeowner’s car, a newer model Honda Accord, while the homeowners were home,” said Const. Mike Halskov.

“The homeowner reported the incident to North Vancouver RCMP. Later in the morning, the stolen Honda was seen going through the toll booth at Horseshoe Bay,” he said.

“The lone male suspect’s picture was captured by BC Ferries video surveillance. Police believe that the stolen Honda and suspect driver arrived at Departure Bay at approximately 10:00 a.m.,” he said.

Police were called to the Arbutus Rest Stop along the Malahat Highway (Highway 1) at about 12:25 p.m. to a report of a fatal collision.

“Police learned that the stolen Honda was travelling south and made an illegal left turn into the rest stop, cutting in front of a motorcycle which collided with the Honda, killing both the male rider and female passenger of the motorcycle,” said Halskov.

The suspect then fled the scene. An air and ground search failed to find any trace of the stolen vehicle and the suspect.

Police will not release the names of the two people killed in the tragic crash until relatives are informed.

“Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect driver. This is a far reaching investigation and the suspect may well be from the Greater Vancouver area,” said Halskov.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call Const. Brian Sampson of South Island Traffic Services at 1-250-416-0352.