POLICE – Driver arrested after wild ride around Kamloops and down to Merritt

A driver who led police on a chase around Kamloops and then south to Merritt is in custody, thanks to a combined effort of Kamloops and Merritt RCMP, police dog services and air services.

It began this afternoon (June 28, 2021) when RCMP received a call from a concerned citizen about a suspicious vehicle with a male driver. The vehicle was then reported as a possible impaired driver when it struck a parked vehicle.

Kamloops RCMP responded to the area and located the vehicle which was reported stolen from another jurisdiction. A traffic stop was attempted and the driver tried to flee but crashed the car into a light post, making it inoperable.

The driver then fled on foot to a nearby mechanic’s shop and stole a second vehicle, striking a police officer while doing so, according to RCMP. Police did not pursue the driver at this point due to risk to the public.

The vehicle, a silver Honda Civic, was observed around town, with residents calling police about erratic driving. The car ultimately side swiped a vehicle in Kamloops. Calls from the public assisted RCMP members in locating the vehicle.

The car then fled to Merritt via Logan Lake where the driver was arrested. Police said he has been on parole, which has been suspended, and will be facing a multitude of new charges stemming from today’s incidents.

RCMP are asking anyone who has dash-cam video relating to today’s events to contact them.