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What should have been a routine traffic stop escalated into a much scarier incident in Vancouver on Tuesday and it was all caught on camera.
It began when two Vancouver Police Department (VPD) officers saw a Dodge Durango drive through a restricted area of Granville Street shortly before 10 p.m.
They initiated a traffic stop on Robson Street, but the three men in the vehicle, all in their early 20s, were confrontational and verbally abusive.
**Warning: Video contains graphic language and content that may upset some viewers.**
The occupants refused to follow police direction and began reaching under the seat, at which point the officers became concerned for their safety.
One officer opened the passenger door, but one of the suspects pulled him into the vehicle and the two men began punching him repeatedly in his head and face.
His partner rushed to help as the three men exited the vehicle and continued to assault the officers, says VPD Sgt. Jason Robillard.
An officer with the Vancouver Police Department was sent to hospital Tuesday night with significant injuries after he was assaulted during a routine traffic stop in downtown Vancouver. Three suspects are in custody. https://t.co/kLLH7znKhX #VPD pic.twitter.com/bTECq4vRUr
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 10, 2018
Backup was called, but before it arrived one of the men fled the scene and was struck hard by a pickup truck while crossing a street through a red light.
Despite the impact, he continued to run until he was arrested a short distance away by the pursuing officer.
“This is an example of the risk all police officers face as they work to protect the citizens they serve,” said Robillard. “This sort of incident affects the entire policing community.”
All three men, one from Victoria and two from West Vancouver, were arrested and are facing a number of charges.
Brendan Robinson, 21, and Troy Robinson, 22, of West Van, and Brian Allen, 24, of Victoria, are now charged after a #VPD officer was seriously injured in a violent confrontation. Please call 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers with any info, cell phone video. https://t.co/BYjwwynlzN pic.twitter.com/JRVOM17JAB
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 10, 2018
That includes assault causing bodily harm, assault against a police officer, theft and obstruction.
There could also be more potential charges laid in relation to alcohol and drugs that were seized from the vehicle.
While the injured officer is recovering at home from his injuries, the man who ran from the scene and was struck by the pickup truck was assessed at hospital and has since been released.
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