Drunk driver flips pickup after fleeing from Kelowna RCMP

A 21-year-old pickup truck driver will potentially face charges after fleeing from police and flipping his vehicle in Kelowna's downtown.

A Kelowna RCMP officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a white Ford F350 truck in the area of Harvey Avenue and Ethel Street, May 20, just after 1:30 a.m., according to the RCMP in a media release. The truck refused to stop and allegedly sped eastbound on Bernard Avenue.

A short time later, patrolling police officers found the truck over an embankment on Bernard Avenue near Burtch Road. The truck had left the travelled portion of the roadway, struck several poles and barriers before coming to rest on its roof, according to the RCMP.

“The driver, who was not seriously injured, was located trapped inside the overturned vehicle. RCMP officers noted signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, spokesperson for the Kelowna RCMP, in the news release.

“The breath demand was provided to the man, who was taken to the Kelowna RCMP Detachment for breath testing. The driver provided samples of his breath, which were more than twice the legal limit.”

The 21-year-old Kelowna man was arrested and released from custody for a future court date. The full findings of the police investigation will be forwarded to the B.C. Prosecution Service for review and charge approval.

If you witnessed this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, the Kelowna RCMP ask that you call 250-762-3300.

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