Kamloops ATM thief makes his getaway by swimming across river

Police nabbed one suspect in an ATM heist but the second escaped by swimming across the Thompson River.

Kamloops RCMP received a call about a break and enter at a pub in the 3300-block of Westsyde Road shortly after 3:30 a.m. today, June 26, according to a press release from police.

Two suspects were spotted going into the pub, taking an ATM and fleeing in a stolen truck.

Police managed to recover the truck and the machine, but the cash had already been taken out.

“An RCMP police dog handler located two males matching the suspects on Westsyde Road and tracked them to the north Thompson River, where both entered,” Staff Sgt. Janelle Shohet of the Kamloops RCMP said in the release.

“One male was arrested shortly after, however a second suspect swam across the river and remains outstanding.”

Police and Kamloops Fire and Rescue searched the area but couldn’t find the man who made it across the river.

The suspect still at large and RCMP describe him as Caucasian, balding, with a beard and full sleeve of tattoos on his right arm and shoulder.

The RCMP is asking anyone who sees the suspect to call police.

“We are releasing a photo of the suspect seen in the river and asking anyone who lives in the area east of the north Thompson River to keep their eyes out for the suspect, who will undoubtedly still be wet and cold,” Staff Sgt. Shohet said.

“If you see him immediately call police.”