A man died in Abbotsford after apparently stabbing himself and trying to outrun police by driving the wrong way down Hwy. 1 Friday night.

The 57-year-old driver evaded a CounterAttack roadblock under the Sumas overpass by getting on the freeway and driving his Ford Explorer west in the eastbound lanes around 10:30 p.m., said Const. Ian MacDonald.

A police car followed a short distance before calling off the chase.

The SUV continued to hurtle toward oncoming traffic before using an emergency turn-around near Peardonville Road. Making the U-turn, the driver struck an unmarked police car, and then headed the wrong way in the westbound lanes of the highway.

A police car followed at a distance with lights and sirens activated in an attempt to warn oncoming traffic of the hazard.

Officers laid down a spike belt along the freeway near No. 3 Road, which punctured the SUV’s tires. The vehicle came to a stop a short distance away.

After police pulled the man from the car, they discovered stab wounds to his chest and a knife in the Explorer.

Despite first aid efforts by police, fire and ambulance crews, the man died of his injuries. The wounds appear to be self-inflicted.

“That being said, we’re going to keep all the investigative opportunities and avenues open,” said MacDonald.

The officer in the patrol car that was struck did not sustain serious injury.

It’s fortunate no other citizens or vehicles were injured or damaged, said MacDonald, adding he couldn’t conceive of what would motivate someone to undertake such risks.

“It’s unimaginable,” he said.

“We have no other reports of damages or injuries, but according to other witnesses ... there were some real close calls.”

The danger was exacerbated by the rainy weather and slick roads, he said.

The incident is viewed as an “in-custody death” and must be investigated by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).

The name of the driver will not be released until next of kin have been notified.