A man with a lengthy criminal record is back in custody after he stole a cop car Sunday morning, driving it into a park where families and children were gathered, according to the Vancouver Police Department.

In a statement released Sunday, VPD said officers were called to the area of East Hastings and Semlin Drive around 10:45 a.m. to assist a woman in distress. As they stepped out to help her, a man got into the unattended police SUV and drove off.

The vehicle was then driven onto a field at Templeton Park, where children were playing soccer and families were gathered near the playground.

“This reckless and criminal behaviour could have killed or seriously injured innocent people,” said VPD Sgt. Steve Addison in the statement, adding that one man was almost struck and was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

“It is hard to overstate how dangerous this behavior was.”

Police said the 41-year-old suspect was arrested by a canine unit about three minutes after the car was taken. The man was treated for injuries at the hospital after being apprehended by the police dog.

Officials are recommending multiple charges of theft, possession of stolen property, and driving offences. Police say the suspect has more than 50 criminal convictions.

“We expect the courts to take this very seriously,” Addison added.