An armed 25-year-old prolific offender was the focus of a short chase involving a motorcycle in Abbotsford over the weekend.

Abbotsford Police Department patrol officers noticed a motorcycle without licence plates driving in the 1900 block of McCallum Road at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 8).

The motorcyclist was wearing a face cover and was reportedly changing speeds and driving erratically. When officers began to follow him with their lights on, attempting to stop him, the rider even stalled the bike in an attempt to flee.

The officers informed the rider he was under arrest. Yet, APD Const. Art Stele said that the rider 鈥渧igorously attempted to bring the bike back into gear, demonstrating no compliance with commands and posing a significant risk to public safety.鈥�

Stele said the officer observed the 鈥渋nherent and immediate risk and was able to remove the rider from the bike.鈥�

There was a short struggle and a foot chase that followed, in which the suspect was observed reaching under his chest multiple times.

Justin Walsh was placed in police custody and during the lawful search following his arrest, Walsh was found armed with a loaded sawed-off shotgun strapped to his chest.

Walsh is facing three charges: failing to stop, obstructing a police officer and unlawful possession of a firearm. He remains in custody and has a court appearance scheduled for Sept. 15.

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