A car crammed full of people speeding down Highway 17 caught the eye of an officer early Saturday morning.
The Central Saanich officer was doing enforcement around 4 a.m. when the car zipped by northbound. He attempted to pull the car over, but the driver opted to evade, then tried to hide in a driveway in the 1800 block of Halden Road.
Occupants piled out of the vehicle, four of them running off into the backyard of the residence. Seven people were in the car, including one in the trunk and all were from the Greater Victoria area. Some were known to police.
The driver was arrested for an impaired investigation. A search of the vehicle yielded a small quantity of drugs and bear spray. The Saanich police canine unit was called out and discovered a small collapsible baton police believe was dumped by one of the car's occupants.
Charges are being recommended against four people for trespass at night. All were released and left in a taxi.