A traffic stop of a stolen vehicle ended up in a vehicle and foot pursuit before RCMP arrested an Oliver man.
Derek Ledgard, 21, was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000, using a weapon to strike an occupied police vehicle, flight from police, dangerous driving and resisting arrest.
On April 3, at approximately 11:57 p.m. an Osoyoos RCMP member stopped a stolen 1994 Toyota Camry on 87th Street. Cpl. Jason Bayda said as the officer pulled in behind the stolen vehicle the suspect put it into reverse, ramming the police cruiser.
The suspect then fled northbound towards Oliver.
“A pursuit was initiated and with the assistance of the Oliver RCMP a spike belt was successfully deployed on Main Street in Oliver rendering the stolen vehicle immobile,” said Bayda in a press release. “The suspect then fled on foot through yards before he was apprehended by pursuing officers.”
Bayda said the officer was “fortunate he was not injured in this high risk incident.”
Ledgard appeared in Penticton provincial court an Tuesday. RCMP said he will also be facing a breach of probation charge.
