Oakridge pharmacy robbers escape in 3rd stolen getaway car
VPD officer opened fire on suspected trio of bandits during chase involving 3 stolen vehicles
A morning pharmacy robbery turned into a hot police pursuit, as the three suspects tore through the Oakridge, Marpole and South Vancouver neighbourhoods in at least three stolen vehicles.
A Vancouver police officer even opened fire on the suspects at one point during the chase.
Events began to unfold shortly before 10 a.m. PT, when two masked men allegedly robbed a pharmacy on Oak Street near 42nd Avenue, taking cash and a quantity of prescription drugs.
The suspected getaway driver waited outside in a stolen Ford Taurus and then drove the bandits to 43rd Avenue and Hudson Street where they ditched the vehicle.
Witnesses said the three men then took off in a Jeep Cherokee, which was also likely stolen, police say.
"The stolen Jeep was spotted by uniformed officers stuck in traffic on Oak Street near 67th Avenue," said Vancouver police Const. Brian Montague.
"The officers challenged the three men and during that contact, one shot was fired by police."
No one is believed to have been injured, he added.
The hot Jeep later got dumped near 62nd Avenue and Manitoba Street in South Vancouver.
Police think the three suspects then stole a Dodge Neon that had been parked nearby.
"Police continue to search for the suspects and the third stolen car," Montague said.
Anyone with information about the robbery or suspects is asked to contact the Vancouver Police or to remain anonymous, leave a tip with Crime Stoppers on 1-800-222-8477 or online at solvecrime.ca.