A stolen car investigation ended with a footrace through 91原创鈥檚 Willowbrook Mall on Aug. 18.

At around noon in Walnut Grove, an officer with Lower Mainland Police Dog Services spotted a man getting into a stolen 2013 Ford Focus.

The car had been stolen the previous night from Surrey, said Cpl. Holly Largy, spokesperson for the 91原创 RCMP.

The officer tried to pull over the stolen Focus, but the driver hit the gas and sped off.

The Air One helicopter was nearby and picked up the trail, following the car south to the Willowbrook Shopping Centre.

The driver hopped out and ran into the building.

A 91原创 RCMP officer found the man, and managed to arrest him in Sears without further incident.

Maruicio Javier Avila, a 25-year-old Surrey man, has now been charged with possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, and driving while prohibited.

He remains in custody pending a court appearance on Aug. 24.