South Okanagan RCMP catch up with break-in suspect after lengthy chase

OLIVER – A man on the run from the law proved to be a stubborn suspect for RCMP this morning.

Sgt. Blaine Gervais of the Oliver RCMP said in a press release issued this afternoon, May 27, RCMP officers responded to a report of a man fleeing from having allegedly committed a break and enter while driving an older model Jeep Cherokee. The same man was also being sought after fleeing police in Penticton earlier today.

Police caught up the suspect's vehicle, who was unaware he was being followed by the RCMP. Police followed the man until he turned onto a road where a spike belt could be safely deployed. The man drove over the belt but continued to drive on bare rims, at a slow rate of speed.

RCMP say officers caught up with the suspect after he drove onto an orchard across from the Osoyoos/Oliver Indian Band office where he caused property damage.

When officers approached the vehicle, the suspect then used the stolen car he was driving to ram the police cruiser. He was eventually stopped at an address on Tucelnuit Road where he was taken into custody after a brief struggle.

Multiple criminal code and driving offences are pending against the suspect.

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