Crash suspect eludes police

Police believe alcohol may have been a factor in a single vehicle crash in the BX area of Vernon Thursday morning.

Officers found an unoccupied blue Mazda that collided with a utility pole on 39th Avenue at Mutrie Road around 5:20 a.m.

“One of our responding officers located a male and female walking in the area minutes after the incident occurred who were believed to be impaired by alcohol and involved in the collision,” said Const. Kelly Brett. “The officer detained both parties for further investigation, however the suspect male resisted arrest and fled on foot. The female was cooperative and remained on scene. An extensive search for the male was conducted with the assistance of the K9 Unit and multiple front line officers, however he was not located.”

Brett said RCMP have identified the suspect who fled as a 30-year-old Vernon man and are continuing to investigate the incident.