Pattison Media file photo

By Liam Verster

Owner Engagement Leads To Chase

Car thief arrested after leading owner in dangerous chase

Oct 9, 2024 | 12:29 PM

A man has been apprehended after a reckless car chase in Lake Country.

Police say a 2011 Ford F350 was reportedly stolen from a residence on Parent Road in Kelowna between 12 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct.6.

The owner then reported seeing the vehicle at approximately 5:30 p.m. that same day on Carrs Landing in Lake Country.

The owner attempted to follow the stolen vehicle, but the suspect driver took off at high speeds.

Lake Country RCMP then received several reports of a dangerous driver who had collided into several other vehicles, causing significant damages.

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Police from Lake Country and Kelowna located the stolen truck, which was significantly damaged and abandoned on Highway 97 south of Commonwealth Drive.

The suspect was located and apprehended in the area by the owner of the vehicle and other individuals before police arrived on the scene.

The suspect, who is known to police, remained in custody Tuesday. They have been charged with several criminal driving offences alongside possession of stolen property.

“This was an exceptionally dangerous situation and it is very fortunate that no one was injured, including innocent bystanders, the witnesses or the suspect,” Cpl. Ryder Birtwistle, Lake Country RCMP detachment’s commander and media liaison, said.

“The RCMP take property crime very seriously however, the public safety of individuals is paramount and far supersedes the recovery of stolen property. We remind the public that if you see a crime in progress, to report it to police immediately and provide as much detail as possible including suspect description and the direction of travel. The RCMP have specialized resources available including the use of air services and covert vehicles to safely locate and apprehend individuals in similar situations.”