South Okanagan

Photo: Contributed - Paul Dore The red van is between the road blocks in this photo from last night

Update 11 a.m. - Highway 3 has now reopened to traffic.

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A domestic aggravated assault was followed by a police chase and ended in a fiery crash and the death of the driver in Princeton last night. Highway 3 remains closed in Princeton.

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk says RCMP in Osoyoos were advised to be on the look out for a vehicle and a man associated with a reported domestic aggravated assault.

Photo: Contributed - Paul Dore

A covered body can be seen in the distance behind the red van

"The associated vehicle was seen near Princeton and an attempt to stop the vehicle safely was unsuccessful. A pursuit of the vehicle was initiated, however, it was terminated due to the dangerous manner in which the suspect was driving combined with the road and traffic conditions observed by the pursuing officer."

Officers in Princeton tried to safety stop the vehicle at a road check along Highway 3, but were unable as the suspect drove around police on the shoulder area and ditches.

Moskaluk says the officers at the road check did not pursue the vehicle and watched it carry on.

Police found the vehicle about one km from the road check, flipped over on the pavement, smoking and on fire.

As flames began to engulf the car, officers attempted to extinguish the fire and even risked their own safety trying to pull the trapped and unresponsive suspect from the vehicle.

The man was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

Abbotsford police are launching an external investigation into the collision and man's death.

Osoyoos RCMP are continuing their investigation into the aggravated assault of the 62-year-old Osoyoos woman, who remains in hospital. 

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