Kamloops, BC – The morning drive to work could have ended badly for some Kamloops commuters, if an erratic driver hadn’t been taken into custody.
On April 6, 2022, around 6:20 a.m., a Kamloops RCMP frontline officer observed a grey Toyota run a stop sign, then turn left into the police vehicle’s path. The officer recognized the driver and attempted a traffic stop, but the Toyota turned the wrong way down Seymour Street at a slow speed.
Fearing the driver may be impaired, officers attempted to block in the vehicle, but the driver mounted a curb to avoid police and continued along slowly.
“This was occurring at a time when the morning commute was just starting,” said Constable Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson. “Fearing a risk to the public, officers called off their efforts to stop the vehicle, out of concern that the driver could increase his speeds and drive erratically in an attempt to evade arrest.”
Shortly after, an off-duty officer observed the vehicle hit a light standard and a building on Lansdowne Street at 3rd Avenue, before coming to a stop on the roadway. Officers quickly blocked public traffic and surrounded the vehicle, while the driver appeared to be attempting to put the car back into motion.
The man resisted arrest, was screaming, sweating, and found to be possession of suspected fentanyl, said Cst. Evelyn. Concerned he was experiencing excited delirium, officers transported the man to the hospital for assessment, to be returned to police custody following any required medical treatment.
Numerous charge recommendations are anticipated following the investigation’s conclusion.
Anyone who witnessed or has information related to this incident is asked to please contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file number 2022-11053.
File # 2022-11053
Kamloops RCMP
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