Police chase goes over land, water

Nakusp RCMP pursue suspect until he hits the Needles ferry

Vernon RCMP caught the driver of a stolen vehicle Monday afternoon following an extensive police chase.

Nakusp RCMP advised the Vernon Mounties that a man driving a stolen Honda Civic failed to stop for police and had just boarded the Needles Ferry, heading toward Lumby shortly after 11 a.m.

As the vehicle drove off the ferry, it continued westbound on Highway 6 and was spotted driving at high speed and failing to stop at intersections by an officer in Lumby.

Police did not pursue the vehicle, but set up spike belts on Highway 6 in an effort to disable the vehicle, said Const. Kelly Brett.

Before passing through the spike belt locations, the vehicle veered off onto Kalamalka Lake Road, where it continued to travel at high speed, said Brett.

RCMP air services unit and police dog services were deployed.

Air services quickly located the suspect vehicle traveling west on Westkal Road, where it came to an abrupt stop at a dead end.

The male suspect fled on foot and was seen hopping over a fence in the backyard of a residence.

Police dogs located the suspect hiding under a pile of kayaks.

The suspect was taken into custody and was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

“The apprehension of this driver, who posed an extreme risk to the community, would not have been possible without the quick actions of both detachments and all units who assisted,” said Brett. “It is the top priority of the RCMP and its officers to safely apprehend dangerous drivers in their efforts to keep the public safe.”

The driver of the Honda Civic, a 47-year-old Kelowna man, is facing multiple charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, possession of stolen property and driving while prohibited.

He was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.