An routine traffic stop for West Vancouver police Tuesday morning escalated into a police chase and tackling of a suspect who is now facing multiple weapons related charges.
The officer was on patrol Tuesday morning when he noticed the suspect driving aggressively and running a stop sign near the 200-block of Capilano Road, according to Const. Jeff Palmer, West Vancouver police spokesman.
When the officer pulled the man over and approached the vehicle, he became suspicious that drugs could be present and called in the K9 unit.
The officer told the man to stand outside his vehicle. That’s when the 30-year-old Vancouver man bolted, leading to a foot chase. Two officers and the police dog eventually subdued the man and arrested him in the 200-block of Lawa Road. When police searched the car, they found a loaded nine-millimetre pistol.
“There simply is no such thing as a routine traffic stop,” Palmer said.
Robert James Patrick Kinnear is now facing charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm without a licence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and assaulting an officer — in this case, the police dog that tackled him.
“We’ll bring allegations the dog was being struck several times,” Palmer said.
The arrest has also caught the attention of the Lower Mainland’s anti-gang police.
“As with any investigation involving weapons, we always work closely with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit,” Palmer said. “They are aware of the investigation and monitoring it closely.”
Kinnear was checked over by paramedics and didn’t need to be hospitalized and the Independent Investigations Office has not opened a file.
Kinnear is due back in court on Feb. 5
“The investigation is ongoing and the more charge recommendations are possible,” Palmer said.
