Prolific offender charged after stealing police vehicle in East Vancouver

In News by Anywhere Vancouver

A 41-year-old man with more than 50 criminal convictions has been charged after stealing a police car in East Vancouver Sunday morning.



Police officers were flagged down near East Hastings and Semlin Drive to help a woman in distress around 10:45am. When the officers got out of the vehicle to help the woman, the suspect got inside the cruiser and drove it onto the field at Templeton Park.

Investigators say the suspect put “dozens of bystanders in harm’s way,” as there were young families gathered at a playground and kids were playing soccer nearby.



“This reckless and criminal behaviour could have killed or seriously injured innocent people. We are grateful to the VPD officers and the police service dog that responded immediately to stop this imminent public safety threat,” said Sgt. Steve Addison in a release.

“It is hard to overstate how dangerous this behaviour was,” added Sgt. Addison.

One man went to hospital and was treated for minor injuries after nearly being struck head-on.

“We hope this person recovers quickly, and we’re thankful nobody else was seriously injured.”

On Monday, 41-year-old Dustin Walter Tallio was charged with the following offences:

  • Theft of Motor Vehicle, contrary to Section 333.1 (1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm, contrary to Section 320.13(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Fail to Remain at the Scene of an Accident, contrary to Section 320.16(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada
  • Fail to Stop for Police, contrary to Section 320.17 of the Criminal Code of Canada

The suspect sustained injuries “while being apprehended by the police dog”. He was taken to hospital and received treatment.


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