Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Multi-City Crime Spree

RCMP caution public about burgundy pickup truck after crime spree hits Kamloops, Merritt, Kelowna

Nov 7, 2019 | 1:09 PM

KELOWNA — RCMP are still looking for suspects after a crime spree spanning the Kamloops, Merritt and Kelowna areas this week.

According to a news release from Southeast District RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, the spree began on Monday (Nov. 4).

A burgundy Dodge Ram D-150 pickup truck was used by suspects who passed counterfeit money at a gas station along the Trans Canada Highway in Kamloops.

Investigators believe the license plate on the pickup — KK2078 — had been stolen from a vehicle in the Armstrong area. That plate is still outstanding.

Then Wednesday (Nov. 6) just after 8:00 p.m., it’s believed the same pickup truck was seen at a Merritt gas station on Airport Road. RCMP were called to that gas station after a report of suspects trying to pass counterfeit U.S. and Canadian currency.

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As the responding officer approached the vehicle, RCMP allege it accelerated toward the officer, sideswiping his cruiser and speeding off eastbound.

Later Wednesday, a hit-and-run crash involving the same truck was reported to RCMP in West Kelowna.

The truck was reported heading toward Kelowna and RCMP laid down a spike belt on the east end of the William R. Bennett Bridge in an attempt to stop it.

O’Donaghey says the driver avoided the belt by driving over the concrete median, hitting another vehicle before turning around and heading back over the bridge toward West Kelowna.

No one was injured in each collision.

O’Donaghey warns the public, if you see the suspect burgundy Dodge Ram, not to approach it but to call 911, your local police agency or Crime Stoppers.