DRUG SUSPECT SHOT AS HE TRIES TO RUN DOWN COPS

A suspected drug dealer is in hospital after being shot by a member of
Richmond RCMP's drug squad while the suspect was attempting to run
over officers with his car yesterday.

A Mountie was also admitted to hospital with minor injuries suffered
when the suspect tried to drive his car into him, said Const. Peter
Thiessen, spokesman for Richmond RCMP.

"Four of our drug squad members attempted to stop a suspect vehicle
and after stopping it they approached the vehicle," said Thiessen.

"The suspect attempted to run over several of our members and
attempted to flee.

"One of our members then drew his revolver and fired one shot at the
suspect, striking his vehicle and striking the suspect."

The incident happened on Amethyst Road.

"The suspect was still in the vehicle and fled the scene," said
Thiessen.

"He was stopped several blocks away by our vehicles and was then
arrested. One of our members was taken to hospital with what appears
to be minor injuries at this time. The suspect was taken to hospital
with a confirmed gunshot wound to his body."

Police had no report on the severity of the wound.

Thiessen said the suspect had been a target of the drug squad and was
being followed.

It was not known if any drugs were recovered from the stopped vehicle.