Spokesman Const. Mike Russell said the officers spotted a grey Buick Regal, which had been reported stolen from a Central Saanich home, driving south on Douglas Street near Hillside Avenue around 1:45 a.m. today.

The officers tried to pull the car over but the driver sped away. Police did not chase him.

A few minutes later, the car was spotted driving over the Johnson Street Bridge toward Vic West.

Several officers and a canine unit went to the area and found the Buick abandoned in the 400-block of Sitkum Road. They took to the streets with the police dog to track the man down. He was found nearby, hiding behind a tree, in the 100-block of Wilson Street with the Buick key fob in his pocket.

The 36-year-old man is being held for afternoon court. Police are recommending charges of theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property and breaching probation.

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