Crews scoured the Shuswap River Friday morning for a missing man, but the individual is believed to be safe and sound,
Enderby RCMP were trying to apprehend a 34-year-old man on an outstanding warrant at about midnight Thursday, when officers noticed the suspect enter the river, near the downtown bridge.
He swam to an island, where it’s believed he undressed, and then he went back into the water and swam about a mile downstream. The suspect was last seen there.
“We were concerned about him because of the temperature of the water,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
The temperature of the river was 8 Celsius Friday morning when Vernon Search and Rescue volunteers arrived on scene.
Two boats navigated the river current while unit members searched the island near the bridge.
However, the search was ultimately called off when it was determined the individual was not in the river.
“He has been seen by members of the community but he has not been arrested,” said Molendyk.
While the police files didn’t mention anything about clothes being removed, Molendyk says that scenario would fit with information received from people who know the suspect.
“One person he talked to said he was looking for clothes,” said Molendyk.
Search and Rescue officials were left wondering about the individual’s physical condition after spending considerable time in the river.
“It’s amazing he swam as far as he did given the water conditions,” said Pete Wise, search manager.
