Kamloops driver arrested after hitting flagger

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops man has been arrested after allegedly hitting a female flagger with his vehicle this morning in a Valleyview construction zone.

Kamloops RCMP say the incident happened this morning, May 2, around 9:50 a.m. on Valleyview Drive, according to a RCMP media release.

Officers say the flagger had signaled to the driver to stop and yield to oncoming traffic. The driver indicated he saw the flagger and knew to stop but continued anyways and struck the flagger as she was standing on the roadway. The suspect vehicle continued through the construction zone.

The flagger was transported to hospital by B.C. Ambulance with minor injuries. Police patrolled the area looking for the vehicle. The 46-year-old suspect later showed up at the RCMP detachment and was arrested.

RCMP say the man is from Kamloops and is not known to police. Police have forwarded the evidence to the B.C. Prosecution Service that will determine charges.

“There are many construction sites within Kamloops and most are controlled by flaggers,” Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says in the release. “For proper flow of traffic and for the safety of the flaggers, it is vital that all drivers obey the flaggers. Exercise caution in construction zones and, above all else, show patience.”

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