Thief threatens driver, steals taxi, crashes it in Kamloops

An alleged thief is in custody after threatening a cab driver with a weapon, stealing their taxi and crashing it in Kamloops.

Yesterday, Aug. 5, the Kamloops RCMP received a report of a robbery with a weapon. A cab driver was threatened and had their taxi stolen from Fortune Drive in the city at around 2:47 p.m., according to the RCMP's new release.

Police immediately responded and found the suspect in the cab in the area. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, which then sped away.

The stolen taxi was then involved in crashes with two other vehicles and the suspect fled the scene on foot, according to police. 

The suspect was eventually found using a police dog service team and they were arrested.

The person, which police did not identify as a man or woman, is being held in custody for a bail hearing. The Kamloops RCMP is recommending charges of robbery, flight from police, dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision.

“This is was very brazen and dangerous situation in a highly populated area of the city putting the public at extreme risk," said Officer in Charge of Operations Insp. Jeff Pelley, in the press release. No member of the public was injured.

The Kamloops RCMP is asking anyone with information or video of this incident to contact police at 250-828-3000.

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