Vancouver police say a man worked up after a dispute at a gas station helped cause an accident that saw a limousine jump the curb into a crowded sidewalk, injuring nine people.
Constable Jana McGuinness laid out the scenario Monday during a police briefing, saying the man began acting up at Burrard and Davie streets moments before the west-end collision at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
"We're not sure what set this man off," she said.
Police say he picked up a hubcap and threw it, and damaged a payphone along a "path of destruction" that ended when he picked up a parking cone and raised it near the parked limousine.
Police say the limo driver hit the gas to get away, but his wheels were turned; the vehicle went up on the sidewalk and hit the pedestrians, who were treated for bruises and cuts.
The 22-year-old suspect fled the scene on foot but was chased down by police officers and arrested.
Kyle Wugalter, visiting from Calgary, is charged with mischief and resisting arrest.
Collision investigators are considering whether motor-vehicle charges will be laid against the limousine driver.
Alcohol was not involved in the incident, Constable McGuinness said.