Catch me if you can

Photo: Carmen Weld - File photo

Vernon RCMP Detachment

A 21-year-old Vernon man is back in jail after running from police over and over again.

Police first tried to nab Zack Bradley on Oct. 28, when an off-duty officer was stopped in traffic by a pedestrian who said they had just been assaulted, with bear spray, by a man across the street.

The officer immediately recognized the suspect across the street and went to speak to him, but he ran away. The victim then filed an official report with police.

Two days later, on Oct. 30 at about 4:40 p.m., an on-duty officer observed Bradley walking downtown near 32 Street and 32 Avenue.

The suspect was told to stop but he took off.

He was then spotted a few blocks away at 29 Avenue and 31 Street. Once again he was advised to stop and that he was under arrest but he took off for a third time.

At this point RCMP Spokesman Gord Molendyk says various citizens realized police were trying to catch the man and told officers were he could be located.

He was finally taken into custody.

“With the help of these good citizens our officers were able to arrest the suspect at 3204 30 Avenue,” says Molendyk. “When our officers arrested him, he was found in possession of a can of bear spray.”

Bradley is well known to police. He was arrested and charged with six counts including assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Bradley has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance Nov 12.

“The arresting members want to thank the good citizens who assisted in apprehending their suspect Thursday afternoon,” adds Molendyk. “Afternoon traffic was disrupted a bit while our cars stopped and turned in the downtown core.”