A Burnaby couple found out Monday that the long arm of the law never sleeps in West Vancouver — even if the suspects do.
The couple — catching a few zzzs inside a parked but idling car Monday morning — ended up getting more attention than they bargained for after alarmed members of the public called police, fearing the pair were unconscious or in medical distress.
It turned out both were wanted on outstanding warrants.
“We’re happy to be their alarm clock,” said Const. Jeff Palmer, spokesman for the West Vancouver Police Department. “Their naps ended in handcuffs.”
West Vancouver Police were called to the parking lot of the former White Spot at Marine Drive and Taylor Way just before 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.
“We don’t have a full explanation of why they chose that particular parking lot,” said Palmer. “It’s not exactly a quiet parking lane.”
The couple had been observed asleep in the idling car for about 15 minutes before police were called.
Officers were eventually able to rouse the pair from an apparently deep sleep by banging loudly on the vehicle windows.
Ambulance paramedics confirmed neither of the pair was in medical trouble or appeared intoxicated.
Legally speaking, the duo had more to answer for however.
Both were wanted on outstanding warrants for Burnaby RCMP investigations.
A 43-year-old man was arrested on two warrants for driving while prohibited while a 30-year-old woman was arrested on a warrant related to a Burnaby theft investigation.
West Vancouver Police are recommending an additional charge of driving while prohibited be laid against the driver.
“If the vehicle is running and they are in the driver’s seat, they are in care and control of the vehicle,” said Palmer.
