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Theft, Break In, Police Chase, Arson

Vernon RCMP investigation crime spree involving stolen pickup

Mar 3, 2025 | 11:44 AM

A series of incidents over the weekend, including the destruction of a stolen pick-up truck, are being investigated.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said the owner of a white Ford F250 pick-up reported the truck stolen from the 3400 block of 16th Avenue at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, March 2.

At around 1:30 a.m., police responded to an alarm at a business on Industrial Avenue in Lumby, where unknown suspect or suspects had gained entry to a building, but fled the scene before police arrived.

Police learned that a white Ford truck was leaving the area, heading west on Highway 6 towards Vernon. The reporter stated the pick-up had sparks trailing from the rear of the vehicle, making it quite noticeable.

Traffic patrols were established, leading to the vehicle being located at College Way and Highway 97 in Vernon, but the suspect vehicle then tried to flee from police.

The pick-up entered a cul-de-sac, where it rammed a police vehicle, before driving into an adjacent parking lot and through a fence.

Police responded to the area but were unable to track down the suspect vehicle.

Then, at approximately 3:15 a.m. Sunday, Vernon Fire Rescue responded to a white Ford pick-up on fire in the 3500 block of Centennial Drive. The truck was fully engulfed, and fire crews battled the fire and extinguished the blaze.

“While the fire department was battling the fire, our officers canvased the area for potential witnesses or video surveillance of the incident,” Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said.

“The fire is considered suspicious and police believe all these incidents to be related.”

Anyone with information about the theft of the Ford F250, the break-in at Lumby, the vehicle incidents, or the fire Sunday morning, were asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171.

People who wish to remain anonymous were asked to file a report with Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

The RCMP said anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest in this case may be eligible for a cash reward.

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