Distracted driver fleeing from Vernon RCMP hits power pole

VERNON – A Vernon man is facing numerous charges after crashing into a power pole while fleeing from police when they tried to stop him for distracted driving. 

An officer saw a driver on his cellphone during a distracted driving operation in Vernon on Sept. 28, according to an RCMP media release.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, however the driver fled at a high speed east on 43 Avenue and nearly a transit bus and another vehicle, police say. The suspect vehicle continued to drive erratically through heavy traffic on 32 Avenue, allegedly swerving into oncoming traffic and disobeying traffic lights.

Minutes later, the suspect hit a power pole on 43 Avenue at 27 Street and took off on foot.

"Officers responded quickly by flooding the area and setting up a strong containment to keep the suspect within a certain area," Const. Kelly Brett says in the media release. "With the tight containment set up by officers, the suspect male was quickly taken into custody after he was seen running through a neighbourhood."

The suspect, a 21-year-old Vernon man, had outstanding warrants and is facing new charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police, Brett says.

He was released from police custody to appear in court at a future date.

— This story was corrected at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. The original story incorrectly said the driver was texting.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shelby Thevenot or call (250) 819-6089 or email the editor You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won’t censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.