Police hunt for couple who tried to shoot New Westminster cop

Police were hunting Monday for a couple who allegedly attempted to shoot an officer then led authorities on a high-speed chase through three municipalities in Metro Vancouver.

New Westminster Police said the man and a woman in a 2015 white Buick LaCrosse with Alberta plates should be considered armed and dangerous.

“We cannot reiterate the danger and risk here,” said Sgt. Chad Johnston. “Do not approach the car, call 911.”

The incident began at around 10 a.m. when police responded to a call of two people sleeping in a vehicle in a parkade in the 100-block of Royal Avenue. An officer approached the sedan and had a brief conversation with the driver.

It is not known what was said between the officer and the driver, but suddenly, the driver pulled out a firearm and pulled the trigger, said Johnston.

“For whatever reason, thankfully, it did not go off.”

The car — a rental vehicle with Alberta plates J33225 — fled the scene quickly. Police gave chase over the next hour.

During the pursuit, the car was involved in several hit-and-runs with other vehicles, both parked and on the road.

The pair managed to escape. They were last seen travelling westbound on Southeast Marine Drive at Inverness Street at 11 a.m.

The driver is described as Caucasian, with dark hair and a hoop earring in his left ear, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and a black baseball hat, with a soul patch, full sleeve tattoos, and a tattoo on the left side of his neck.

The passenger is described as a Caucasian female, with reddish or orange hair, acne or pock marks on her face, wearing a tank top and tights with a flower pattern. The couple also had a small pitbull dog in the vehicle, which police say will have extensive damage.