Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds
WILD RIDE

Two people charged in connection to erratic driving through Westsyde that ended in fiery crash

Oct 18, 2019 | 10:35 AM

KAMLOOPS — Two people are facing charges after a string of bizarre incidents through the city earlier this week.

Crystal Rae Dorrington and Derrick Ronald Pearson are both charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a conveyance, and assault with a weapon.

This comes after the owner of a flatbed pickup truck reported stolen last week went on a wild ride through Kamloops after tracking down the truck himself.

Francis Payette received a call from his friend on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 16), saying he had spotted the stolen truck on the Halston Connector.

Payette tracked the truck down in Brocklehurst, and when the suspects started to drive away, he jumped onto the back of the flatbed.

RELATED: Payette told CFJC Today all about his wild ride.

RCMP said this week that the truck careened down Parkcrest Avenue and hit a power pole before speeding down Singh Street, Ord Road and Westsyde Road. Witnesses indicated the truck was moving faster than 100 kilometres per hour with Payette clinging to the back.

While travelling north on Westsyde Road, the truck hit three other vehicles. None of their occupants were injured.

The escapade came to an end when the truck crashed into a field near Clark Road at the north end of Westsyde, bursting into flames.

The two suspects were taken into custody, and transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Payette was not hurt.