Calls from public help police find erratic driver

A driver was arrested after numerous complaints were called in Wednesday morning.

Just before 7:30 a.m., Kelowna RCMP responded to a complaint of a red Toyota Rav4 driving erratically in the area of Springfield Road and Hollywood Road.

When RCMP officers located the vehicle and attempted to stop it, it fled from them in a dangerous manner.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but a short time later, police began to receive numerous complaints of the vehicle’s driving. Officers flooded the area and the vehicle was found abandoned on Burtch Road.

RCMP Police Dog Services attended and the alleged driver, a 50-year-old Kamloops man, was located a short distance away and taken into custody.

The vehicle was stolen in Calgary on Aug. 20.

“The behaviour of this driver was extremely reckless and posed a danger to everyone he met,” said RCMP Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy. “We would like to extend our thanks to all the citizens who assisted us in apprehending him by calling and reporting. This information helped us narrow our search area and get this dangerous driver off the road quicker.”

The driver has been released from custody on condition he attend a future court date. His name is not being released at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and will be referred to BC Prosecution Service for review and charge approval when completed.

Anyone with any information can contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.