POLICE – Dangerous driving suspect nabbed after fleeing down bank to river

What started as a road rage report ended with Kamloops police arresting a man who fled on foot down an embankment, under a stationary train, and into the river.

On Friday March 1, 2024, around 10 p.m., Kamloops RCMP located a dark coloured Mercedes on the 100-block of Clarke Street, which had been reported to police as driving dangerously on Summit Drive and 1^st Avenue.

 “When a police officer initiated a traffic stop, a man exited the car and began yelling threatening comments, before running away,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn. “The suspect then returned to his car and fled in it, crashing into a cement wall and a police vehicle in the process.

The officer was uninjured; the police vehicle received minimal damage. The Mercedes was located again shortly after.

“Due to the public risk presented by the suspect’s dangerous driving, erratic comments, and behaviour, a spike belt was deployed at the bottom of Summit Drive to try and stop the vehicle,” said Evelyn.

“The suspect managed to avoid the belt, which was then struck by two civilian vehicles, causing damage to their tires.”

The suspect fled on foot again shortly after, toward Mission Flats Road. With the assistance of the Police Dog Service and Crime Reduction units, he was taken into custody after he ran into, then back out of the river.

The suspect was transported to hospital for assessment and care. He received a violation ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act and was released by police with a court date related to dangerous driving and other offences. Charge recommendation is anticipated as part of the assessment and approval process.

Anyone who witnessed, has dash camera, or other video related to this incident is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment and reference file 2024-6231.