One suspect is in police custody and another is at large following an incident that damaged four RCMP vehicles Monday.
The incident began after an armed robbery shortly before 11 a.m. near McGuire Lake in Salmon Arm. A delivery person was allegedly pepper-sprayed and robbed. The victim was treated at Shuswap Lake General Hospital and released.
Salmon Arm RCMP Sgt. Scott Lachapelle said the incident was reported to police and included a good description of the vehicle involved in the theft.
“That information was circulated to neighbouring detachments and the vehicle was subsequently discovered in Enderby,” he said, noting that while it is not believed the thieves took cash, what was taken is unknown at this time.
Officers from the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP were alerted that a suspect vehicle — a white Ford pick-up truck — was last seen being driven south from Salmon Arm.
Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP officers found the truck travelling south on Highway 97A when the driver attempted to flee from police after a vehicle stop was attempted.
“In its attempt to flee from police, the suspect vehicle rammed what is believed to be four police vehicles and three civilian vehicles, causing significant damage,” said RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett.
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“A multi-unit police response was initiated including the assistance from the RCMP police service dog and the RCMP air services unit. Officers were able to track the vehicle to the end of Jackpine Road where it came to a stop and both suspects fled on foot,” Const. Brett said.
“One male was taken into custody by police service dog Cain and his handler,” said Brett.
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As of Tuesday morning, one suspect remains outstanding, and Brett said officers are still “heavily engaged in this investigation.”
The suspect who was apprehended was returned to custody in Salmon Arm and faces a first court appearance Tuesday
Whether that is in Vernon or Salmon Arm depends on Crown counsel because charges are stemming from two different areas, said Lachapelle.
No physical injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
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