POLICE – Thompson River searched for man who tried to swim across

The Kamloops Tk’emlups RCMP Detachment is investigating after it received a report of a man going into the Thompson River Thursday night (Jan. 28, 2021).

At around 7:30 p.m., Kamloops RCMP received a report of a man walking into the Thompson River from the north bank side, dunking his head into the water, and trying to swim across. According to witnesses, he bobbed up and down several times before disappearing under the surface.

Police, fire, and ambulance attended the area and began searching, using the Police Dog Services Unit, infrared technology, the Kamloops Fire Department boat, and the Kamloops Search and Rescue drone, but no one was located.

A Police Dog Services track led investigators to more witnesses, who reported seeing a Caucasian man in his 30s who appeared lost about two hours earlier. The man was described as wearing a blue jacket with its hood up and possibly a ball cap underneath.

Police were in the area conducting interviews and awaiting the arrival of the RCMP dive team, while Kamloops Search and Rescue continued checking the water.

Anyone who may know who the man is or who witnessed what happened, is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP rural detachment at 250-314-8000.