Vernon RCMP nab 3 Surrey men following 4-day crime spree

Vernon RCMP arrested three Lower Mainland men this past weekend following a four-day crime spree that saw them bear spraying and robbing people in Vernon.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, numerous calls were made to police in the early hours of Sunday, June 28, about a group of males allegedly bear spraying and robbing individuals, and attempting to steal vehicles in different parts of the city.

"A spike belt was deployed by officers in an attempt to disable the vehicle, however, the vehicle avoided the roadblock by driving off-road, through properties located on the south side of Silver Star Road, and continued Westbound at a high rate of speed," Vernon RCMP media relations officer Const. Kelly Brett said in the release.

"Given the nature of the offences that took place, frontline officers pursued the vehicle until coming into contact with it, taking three males into custody without injury."

The three males, all from the Surrey area, have been linked to a possible 19 crimes, which were committed over a four-day period. The men remain in custody waiting to appear in court.

Vernon RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the events, who has not spoken to police, to call 250-545-7171 and reference file number 2020-11278.

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