POLICE – Driver in custody following quiet chase by RCMP

A police cruiser was damaged and Oak Hills students were placed in a hold and secure Monday (May 9, 2022), following numerous reports of an erratic driver.

Around 12:30 p.m., Kamloops RCMP received a report of an erratic driver in a grey BMW with no licence plates. When police initiated a traffic stop, it fled.

A spike belt was deployed near the Halston just off of Hwy 5, and although it was successful in deflating two tires, the vehicle continued to drive aggressively and the police pursuit was ended in the interest of public safety.

Covert units continued to monitor the vehicle as it drove throughout the city. When the opportunity presented, marked officers made another attempt to stop it, but the vehicle fled, colliding with a police cruiser as it did, and making its way into Oak Hills.

“With the assistance of the Kamloops RCMP Targeted Enforcement Unit and the General Investigative Services Team, officers were able to discreetly keep an eye on the vehicle in the safest way possible, until the driver eventually stopped and exited,” said Const. Crystal Evelyn.

“As soon as the suspect got out, officers and the Police Dog Services Unit moved in and took the man into custody, preventing his drive from resuming.”

A nearby independent school was placed in a hold and secure although no students were present due to a professional development day. Kamloops RCMP collaborated with School District 73 to develop a temporary plan for public school students who were due to return to the Oak Hills community after school.

“In this case, all units worked together to ensure the safety of the public in a very visible police incident, including our frontline officers, Traffic Service Unit, Police Dog Service, School Liaison, and more,” added Const. Evelyn.

“No one was injured, including the officer whose vehicle was struck.”

The driver remains in custody and is facing numerous charge recommendations, police said. Anyone with information or dash cam video related to this incident is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2022-15278.

 

 

Cst Crystal EVELYN,

Kamloops RCMP

Interim Media Relations Officer

250-828-3193

250-682-0752