Victoria police were alerted to an erratic driver travelling in a van at excessive speed about 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The van was spotted at Blanshard and View streets, then headed north. It struck a parked vehicle while fleeing from officers in the area of Vancouver Street and Empress Avenue.
The driver then almost hit an officer who had gotten out of his car after police used their vehicles to try to block the van — a bold measure attempted because the van was being driven dangerously in a residential area during a busy time, police said.
The driver hit another parked car, then abandoned the van on Empress Avenue.
A cyclist — who had narrowly avoided being hit himself — chased the man and used his bike to barricade him until police arrived.
Police discovered the driver had multiple driving prohibitions and no licence or insurance.
Once in custody, the man allegedly ripped up the mattress in his police cell.
Serle Rogers, 44, faces 10 charges, including driving while impaired, refusing a breathalyzer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and fleeing police.
— Times Colonist
