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UPDATE w/ VIDEO: Chilliwack RCMP seek suspects and investigate vehicle fire on Charles Street

Witnesses say fireworks were being thrown at school kids walking to school on First Avenue earlier

A truck fire is at the centre of a developing police incident Thursday morning in downtown Chilliwack.

“There’s a heavy police presence in the area now as officers try to apprehend suspects,” said Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Krista Vrolyk on the morning of Sept. 17.

(See more photos below.)

Witnesses say it started when fireworks were thrown at kids as they were walking to school along First Avenue.

The driver of the truck who was throwing the devices allegedly turned onto Charles Street and crashed with the vehicle erupting into flames, according to witness account on Facebook.

“Crazy driver was throwing fireworks at my and other people’s kids walking to school down first. Then he turned on to Charles and apparently his vehicle is now on fire,” commented one person, whose grandaughter was the one who called 911.

Someone responded, “Karma” to that comment.

Later in the morning, one suspect was taken into custody nearby on Pearson Street but it has not been confirmed this was related to the vehicle fire.

RCMP officers, including members of the forensic identification unit, were on the scene later in the morning investigating the truck. The red, four-door pickup truck was severely damaged in the blaze.

More details on this incident will be forthcoming, so stay tuned for updates at www.theprogress.com

READ MORE: Crashes lead to drunk driving charges


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A police incident near the Charles Street tunnel was reported Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 after 8 a.m. with a truck on fire and two suspects being sought by RCMP. (Darcy Loewen photo/ Facebook)
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A police incident near the Charles Street tunnel was reported Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 after 8 a.m. with a truck on fire and two suspects being sought by RCMP. (Darcy Loewen photo/ Facebook)
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Chilliwack RCMP officers arrest a male on Pearson Street after a vehicle fire nearby on Charles Street on Sept. 17, 2020. (Facebook)
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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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