File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Road Rage

Spike belt damaged two civilian vehicles in dangerous driving pursuit: Kamloops RCMP

Mar 5, 2024 | 8:46 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say a police spike belt damaged two civilian vehicles as officers tried to collar a dangerous driving suspect Friday (March 1).

In a news release issued Tuesday (March 5), spokesperson Cpl. Crystal Evelyn says Mounties found a dark-coloured Mercedes in the 100-block of Clarke Street at around 10:00 p.m. Friday. The vehicle had previously been reported as driving dangerously on Summit Drive and First Avenue.

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

Due to risk to the public, Evelyn says RCMP deployed a spike belt at the bottom of the Summit Connector in an effort to stop the vehicle.

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

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As for the suspect, Evelyn says the man ran away toward Mission Flats Road, down an embankment, under a stopped train and into the Thompson River. Turning back toward the shore, the man was finally taken into custody.

The suspect was sent 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.

Anyone who witnessed the reported road rage and chase, or has dash camera or other video related to it, is asked to contact Kamloops RCMP.