Overview

Authorities have apprehended a man accused of carjacking a pickup truck in British Columbia's Lower Mainland and then leading police on a wild chase across the U.S. border.

The Chase Begins

Around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, the suspect approached the Peace Arch crossing at breakneck speed, ignoring numerous signals to stop from border guards, as reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The chase escalated when the suspect's vehicle collided with another car at the port of entry.

Into the U.S.

Once inside the United States, the driver maneuvered into a secondary inspection area but quickly turned around, veering onto the grass median before bolting down Interstate 5. The pursuit involved U.S. border guards and Washington State Patrol troopers, tracking the suspect through communities like Blaine and Bellingham.

The Conclusion of the Chase

Trooper Kelsey Harding indicated that the chase concluded near the Bow Hill rest area, roughly 70 kilometers south of the border. Utilizing a PIT maneuver, officers successfully halted the speeding vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody, and officers discovered a machete inside the stolen pickup.

Charges Against the Suspect

The suspect, identified as Shawn Bergstrom, faces multiple charges in a U.S. court, including assault, reckless driving, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Canadian Response

In Canada, the Richmond RCMP reported a call about the carjacking at approximately 12:40 p.m., just before the suspect's escape. The exact location of the original incident hasn't been disclosed, but the victim did not suffer any injuries.

Significance of the Incident

According to Harding, the reckless driving included a near-miss with a border guard. Customs and Border Protection initiated a pursuit, deploying at least one helicopter. The Richmond RCMP is leading the investigation into the carjacking incident, highlighting ongoing issues related to border security.

Conclusion

This high-speed chase serves as a reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go to evade capture. The dramatic case underscores the importance of swift police response in high-stakes situations.