Man arrested in stolen pickup near Peachland faces weapons charges

Stopping a stolen pickup truck near Peachland Wednesday ended with two arrests, the seizure of weapons and numerous charge recommendations.

Officers tried to stop the stolen Ford F-350 on Highway 97C near Peachland, May 20, and the driver fled nearly hitting an officer, according to an RCMP media release. RCMP don’t say what time of day the incident took place.

“Officers quickly brought the situation under control, safely arresting both the male driver and female passenger shortly thereafter,” the release reads.

The man behind the wheel had a loaded sawed-off shotgun and other concealed weapons.

“Investigators determined the weapons were being carried for a dangerous purpose, creating a serious threat to both the public and police,” RCMP said in the release. RCMP don’t say what that dangerous purpose was.

Along with the weapons, police seized fentanyl and cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. RCMP don’t say how much fentanyl and cocaine was seized.

The driver was held in custody on outstanding warrants.

RCMP are recommending several charges against the male driver including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, prohibited driving, failure to comply with a release order, assault with a weapon, assault of a peace officer, possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and carrying a concealed weapon.

RCMP don’t say if the female passenger, who was also arrested, faces any charges, only that the investigation is ongoing.