The last of B.C.鈥檚 鈥渢op 10 most wanted car thieves,鈥� Richard James Mantler, was captured in 91原创 on July 25.
Mantler, 42, did not go down without a fight, allege RCMP.
He was arrested in a local parking lot by the 91原创 RCMP Street Enforcement Unit but not before trying to crash a stolen Mazda Miata into a 91原创 RCMP patrol car to evade capture, said Sgt. Rayburn Ross of the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team. The 91原创 RCMP officer whose car was hit didn鈥檛 require medical attention but the Miata, stolen in Surrey, had extensive damage, he said. Mantler also resisted arrest, said Ross.
As a result of his arrest, Mantler is facing additional criminal charges, including resisting arrest.
Mantler remains in custody until his next court appearance in Surrey Provincial Court on Aug. 9.
This is the last of the 鈥淭op 10鈥� criminals to be arrested since the Jan. 31 release of IMPACT鈥檚 鈥淭op 10 most wanted list.鈥�
Mantler was originally wanted for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to remain at an accident, possession of stolen property, and driving while prohibited. He was also wanted for failing to appear, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
Mantler has 15 previous criminal convictions 鈥� including three previous dangerous driving charges. In fact, his driving record shows 63 Motor Vehicle Act convictions, including 22 driver鈥檚 license suspensions or prohibitions.
