Dangerous driver nabbed in Kamloops after fleeing under train and into river

A man fled police down an embankment, under a stationary train then into the Thompson River near Mission Flats in Kamloops late last week, only to be arrested when he climbed back out.

Police were called at about 10 p.m. on Friday, March 1 to a report of a dark coloured Mercedes driving dangerously on Summit Drive and 1 Avenue.

“When a police officer initiated a traffic stop, a man exited the car and began yelling threatening comments, before running away,” Cpl. Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson, said in a news release. “The suspect then returned to his car and fled in it — crashing into a cement wall and a police vehicle in the process.”

That only caused minor damage to the police car and the officer was uninjured.

“Due to the public risk presented by the suspect’s dangerous driving, erratic comments and behaviour, a spike belt was deployed at the bottom of Summit Drive to try and stop the vehicle,” the news release said. “The suspect managed to avoid the belt, which was then struck by two civilian vehicles, causing damage to their tires.”

The man ran from the Mercedes and with the aid of a police dog was arrested after he ran into, then back out of, the river.

He was taken to hospital for assessment and care and given a ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act. He was then released with a court date related to dangerous driving and other offences. Charges are still being assessed.

Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP and reference file 2024-6231.

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