Kamloops man arrested, charged with crashing stolen taxi

A 19-year-old Kamloops man is facing several charges in connection to an incident involving a stolen taxi and a multi-vehicle crash last week.

It all started at around 2:47 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, when officers responded to a report of an armed robbery on Fortune Drive, according to an RCMP media release issued today, Aug. 8. Police say a man allegedly threatened a cab driver with a weapon before stealing the vehicle.

It wasn’t long before officers found the vehicle and tried to stop the driver.

The suspect allegedly fled at high speed and then crashed into two other vehicles and flipped the cab onto its roof before trying to run away.

READ MORE: Thief threatens driver, steals taxi, crashes it in Kamloops

The police dog caught up with the man and he was taken into custody.

Bradley James Venn, 19, is facing charges of robbery, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision.

“The suspect was held for a bail hearing and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance,” Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said in the release.

Anyone with information, video or dash cam footage related to this investigation is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250 828-3000 and reference file 2022-27242.

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