'The fight was on': Driver and police exchange blows after traffic stop in British Columbia

A man is in custody after a traffic stop in White Rock turned violent on Friday morning (October 25).

Const. Chantal Sears said things got out of hand after a driver who was stopped during a random patrol was told he would be arrested for dangerous driving.

The incident happened just before 10 a.m. near North Bluff Road and Nichol Road.

The arresting officer had been eastbound on North Bluff when he spotted an older sedan traveling westbound “excessively speeding and driving recklessly,” Sears said.

After receiving news of his impending arrest, the driver resisted and “the fight continued,” Sears said.

The scene that ultimately unfolded on the Surrey side of North Bluff, at 140 Avenue, caught the attention of many.

“We received several 911 calls from the public … stating that an officer was involved in a fight on the street,” Sears said.

Both White Rock and Surrey RCMP flooded the area. An off-duty Vancouver police officer also assisted.

Sears said the driver, who suffered “a visible injury to his face” during the altercation, was taken to the hospital for evaluation. The arresting officer suffered minor abrasions and bruises.

She noted that such incidents were “very rare” in White Rock.

A 36-year-old Surrey resident is facing charges of obstruction and assaulting a police officer.

Sears said several witnesses were seen taking video of the altercation on their cellphones. Investigators are asking these witnesses to provide the footage to the RCMP by either dropping it off at the Pacific Avenue detachment (15299 Pacific Ave.) or by contacting police at 778-545-4800 to make arrangements meet.