Cellphone driving leads to mayhem

A Vernon man is facing charges of dangerous driving and flight from police after driving erratically and crashing into a pole last week.

On Sept. 28, Mounties attempted to stop a vehicle after the driver was seen using a cellphone.

However, the vehicle sped east on 43 Avenue, nearly colliding with a transit bus and another vehicle, said Const. Kelly Brett.

The vehicle continued driving erratically through heavy traffic on 32 Avenue, allegedly swerving into oncoming traffic and disobeying traffic lights.

Within minutes, police received notice of a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of 43 Avenue and 27 Street.

The suspect vehicle had hit a power pole, causing significant damage.

Police responded to the scene, where witnesses said the driver of the vehicle had fled on foot.

Officers flooded the area and set up a containment area.

“With the tight containment set up by officers, the suspect male was quickly taken into custody after he was seen running through a neighbourhood,” said Brett.

The driver, a 21-year-old Vernon male, had outstanding warrants and is now facing new charges that could include dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police.

He has been released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.