News release

Five people are in custody and police are looking for more witnesses after a high-speed stolen vehicle stop

January 29, 2026 - Prince George, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

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If you saw a black Volkswagen Taos with Alberta plates driving dangerously north of Prince George on Wednesday afternoon, and especially if you have video, police need to speak to you.

On January 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., police received a report of a Volkswagen driving dangerously southbound on Highway #97 near Bear Lake, BC. Soon afterwards, BC Highway Patrol spotted a dark Volkswagen SUV and attempted to stop the vehicle, but it drove away at high speed.

BC Highway Patrol did not pursue the speeding Volkswagen and instead used the police radio to alert other officers including Prince George RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services. Multiple attempts were made to stop the vehicle, including a spike belt that deflated two tires, but the vehicle continued driving until about 3:00 p.m. when it reached Nielson Road, Prince George.

“When the vehicle stopped, five occupants ran away, with two of them allegedly breaking into a home while a resident was inside,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “Police quickly arrested all five suspects, and all five are being held in custody. Now we need more witnesses and dash camera video for the next phase of the investigation.”

Both the vehicle and the Alberta licence plates were reported stolen. BC Highway Patrol is investigating offences including dangerous driving, impaired driving (drugs), possession of stolen property, break and enter to a residence, breach of probation and release orders, and others.

The suspects include a 27-year-old Fort St. John man, a 35-year-old Dawson Creek man, a 30-year-old Dawson Creek woman, and a 26-year-old man and a 28-year-old man of no fixed address.

One suspect received medical treatment for minor injuries related to an arrest with a police dog, but no other injuries were reported.

“This investigation involves serious allegations that presented a high risk to public safety,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “We’re hoping the public will help us out with more witnesses and video.”

If you saw any of the events involving the black Volkswagen Taos and its suspects, please call BC Highway Patrol – Prince George at 250-649-4004 and quote file (3100) 2026-83.

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