Photo: Contributed

UPDATE: 1:35 p.m.

RCMP deployed a spike belt to stop a suspected dangerous and impaired driver in Lake Country, Thursday.

Police say they were alerted to an erratic driver on Highway 97 in Kelowna shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The vehicle, a Honda Civic, was pulled over. However, during the traffic stop, the driver, who police say was "grossly affected by an intoxicating substance," put his vehicle in gear and sped off toward Lake Country.

Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey says a police aircraft followed the vehicle, and two initial attempts to immobilize the vehicle using a spike belt failed.

“Officers were successful in their third attempt of deploying a spike belt, on Highway 97 near Oceola Road in Lake Country, which effectively deflated the tires of the suspect vehicle,” says O’Donaghey.

“Uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP, supported by RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services converged on the vehicle and ... took the man into police custody without further incident. Police seized undisclosed quantities of suspected illicit drugs during the man’s arrest.”

The driver was taken to the Kelowna detachment for testing. A drug recognition expert with the traffic section has been called in to conduct a drug influence evaluation.

The driver, a 34-year-old Vernon man, faces numerous charges. He remains in custody.

Witnesses are asked to call Const. Brad Smith at 250-762-3300.

ORIGINAL STORY: 12:40 p.m.

RCMP have converged on Lake Country for what witnesses are calling a high-speed chase.

The chase led police through Lake Country about noon.

Multiple news tips report about 10 police cars speeding after a fleeing vehicle on Highway 97. 

A number of pictures show police vehicles blocking in a dark-coloured sedan outside the IDA pharmacy in Winfield. 

A man was also seen being taken into custody. 

RCMP have yet to confirm the report.