POLICE – Hit and run, gun incident, Drag Storytime protest among RCMP calls

The Kamloops RCMP Detachment responded to about 419 calls for service from Friday, Aug. 25, to 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Below are some highlights.

Officer injured by fleeing driver

An early morning traffic stop led to a suspect fleeing and a police officer being injured.

On Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, around 3:30 a.m., a police officer stopped a black Chrysler 300 near Copperhead and Versatile Drive in Kamloops for no insurance. During the investigation, the driver was placed under arrest for obstruction, at which point she allegedly drove away, injuring the police officer in the process.

Anyone who saw or has information related to this investigation is asked to please contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2023-30973.

Police presence on Columbia Street

A report involving a person in emotional distress ended in a high-risk apprehension under the Mental Health Act.

On Aug. 26, 2023, around 10:40 p.m., Kamloops RCMP officers were called to the 500-block of Columbia Street in response to the report, which involved a person in crisis who was armed with weapons. Upon police attendance, a man barricaded himself inside his unit; attempts to communicate with him were unsuccessful.

“Neighbouring units were evacuated during the response as a safety precaution due to the risk presented,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn.

“The Southeast District Emergency Response Team (ERT) was able to gain entry into the man’s residence and safely apprehend him under the Mental Health Act.”

He was immediately taken to the hospital for medical assessment and care. No charges are being recommended at this time.

Protestor arrested during Pride event

Police are investigating after a protest erupted at a ‘Drag Storytime’ event this weekend.

On Aug. 26, 2023, around 10 a.m., Kamloops RCMP frontline officers attended the North Kamloops Library on Tranquille Road for a report of anti-pride protestors who were holding signs and yelling insults at those entering the event.

“While police were on scene, a protestor entered the story-time room and began filming the event, which was intended and attended by children under 18 years old,” said Corporal Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson. “The protestor was asked to leave and refused to do so, resulting in an arrest for trespassing and mischief. The suspect was later released pending the investigation’s conclusion.”

Police are also investigating a report of an assault involving a person with a sign, which is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed or has information related to these occurrences and has not yet spoken to police, is asked to please contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2023-30850.

Hit and run: police look for witnesses

Kamloops RCMP officers are looking for information related to a Friday afternoon hit-and-run that saw one man taken to hospital with serious injuries.

On Aug. 25, 2023, around 2:35 p.m., RCMP were called to 6th Avenue and Lansdowne Street where a pedestrian had been struck by a dark coloured Chevy Cruz car, that quickly sped away. The victim was taken to hospital and is expected to survive.

“The Cruz was located shortly after with a smashed windshield, abandoned in Riverside Park, shortly after,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn.

“Police checks revealed it had been reported stolen on Aug. 23, from the 100-block of Yew Street.”

Police are looking to speak with anyone who may have knowledge related to the crash, vehicle theft, or the suspects who abandoned it in Riverside Park. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2023-30738.