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Vernon  

Arrested after Westside flight

Police dogs, helicopter air support and RCMP at either end of Westside Road led to the capture and arrest of two men who fled from a Vernon RCMP officer Tuesday.

Police have also thanked the public for their tips.

The officer spotted a white Ford F150 reported stolen from Red Deer in a downtown parking lot in Vernon at 11:20 a.m.

The officer attempted to speak to the two occupants of the truck and was almost mowed down by the vehicle as they fled from the scene, driving through a stop sign and heading north on 32nd Street.

With the help of calls from the general public over the dangerous actions of the driver, the RCMP tracked the truck's movements from Vernon to Westside Road.

The North Okanagan detachment then requested assistance from counterparts in West Kelowna who closed down the roadway.

Using police dog services, along with air support to assist the officers on the ground, the vehicle was located on a side street off Westside Road.

“Two suspects were arrested without incident a short distance from the vehicle,” said Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy, RCMP spokesperson.

Noseworthy said the 36-year-old male driver is facing numerous charges under the Criminal Code as well as the Motor Vehicle Act, including: possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, breach of recognizance, and driving while prohibited.

As well, a female passenger, 31, is facing a charge of possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Both have been held in custody to appear before Vernon provincial court.

“Members of our community were instrumental as our eyes and ears in this incident, and allowed us to bring this to a safe conclusion,” said Sgt. David Evans.  



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