Suspects flee from Mounties in stolen truck; arrests made in West Kelowna

Two people are in custody and are facing charges after fleeing from police in a stolen truck in Vernon on Tuesday.

A white Ford F-150 truck was reported stolen in Red Deer, Alta., on Feb. 17.

On Tuesday, a Vernon police officer saw a white Ford F-150 in the parking lot of the mall at 3302 32 St. in Vernon at 11:30 a.m., and attempted to speak with the occupants, Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy said in a news release.

“The male driver of the truck fled from the scene in an extremely dangerous manner, nearly striking the officer before (backing) up onto 34 Avenue, driving through the stop sign and heading north on 32 Street,” she said.

Police received numerous complaints from the public regarding the dangerous driving of this vehicle, and officers tracked the vehicle from Vernon to Westside Road.

Vernon RCMP requested the assistance of West Kelowna RCMP.

West Kelowna Mounties located the truck parked on a side street off Westside Road. Two suspects were arrested nearby.

The 36-year-old male driver is facing numerous charges, including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police and driving while prohibited. The 31-year-old female passenger is facing a charge of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Both were held in custody and were to appear in Vernon provincial court.