Official News Release Download
On October 2nd, 2023, at 2:28 A.M., an AbbyPD patrol officer observed a white pickup truck with a large fuel tank in the truck's bed spilling fuel onto the roadway in the Huntingdon Rd and Ross Rd area.
The suspect vehicle failed to stop when the member engaged their emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop. The officer did not engage in a pursuit and relayed the description and direction of the suspect vehicle to other members.
The suspect vehicle was spotted travelling eastbound on Hwy 1 past the Sumas Way exit. At this point, members observed the vehicle crossing the grassy meridian dividing westbound lanes from eastbound lanes.
Upon exiting the offramp to Sumas Way, the suspects rammed a police vehicle in an effort to escape capture.
Utilizing a tire deflation device members brought the suspect vehicle to a stop, placing the driver in police custody.
Following the arrest, the vehicle was confirmed by police to be a stolen vehicle. No police officers were injured during the incident.
44-year-old prolific offender Joseph Edward ZAWORSKI was identified as the driver and is facing a plethora of charges, including the following:
Count 1: Dangerous Driving Sec. 320.13(1) Criminal Code of Canada
Count 2: Fail to Stop Sec. 320.17 Criminal Code of Canada
Count 3: Assault Peace Officer with a weapon Sec. 270.01(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada
Count 4: Assault Peace Officer with a weapon Sec. 270.01(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada
Count 5: Driving while prohibited Sec. 320.18(1)(a) Criminal Code of Canada
Count 6: Possession of Property obtained by Crime Sec. 355(a) Criminal Code of Canada
Count 7: Breach of Release Order Sec. 145(5)(a) Criminal Code of Canada
Count 8: Breach of Release Order Sec. 145(5)(a) Criminal Code of Canada
Abbotsford Police File: 2023-46101
Cst. Art Stele
Media Relations Officer
Abbotsford Police Department