Charges pending against erratic Kelowna driver who side-swiped cars on route to Vernon

‘HE TOLD POLICE HE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND WHY HE WAS BEING STOPPED’

VERNON – Charges of dangerous driving and possession of a controlled substance are being recommended against a Kelowna man who went on a wild drive from Lake Country to Vernon last week.

The 38-year-old was arrested in downtown Vernon after making his way from Lake Country, allegedly side-swiping multiple vehicles and the concrete meridian on his way. The truck was badly damaged by the time officers flung on their lights and sirens at the bottom of Hospital Hill in Vernon, bringing him to an abrupt halt in the middle of busy traffic.

The man cooperated with police, Noseworthy says, but didn’t seem to realize what the problem was.

“He told police he didn’t understand why he was being stopped,” Noseworthy says.

The man was checked out in hospital and subsequently released into police custody. Officers let him go, but they’ve also recommended charges of dangerous driving and possession of a controlled substance to Crown counsel. The charges have yet to be approved.

Police know of at least two vehicles in Vernon that were hit by the man’s truck, and are following up on a number of others.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.