Large search leads to arrest

Photo: Google Maps

After an extensive police hunt that involved several RCMP detachments, a man who disappeared down a forestry road after a domestic assault at Big White was arrested Wednesday morning.

Just before noon Tuesday, police responded to a report of an assault at a Big White home, only to find the suspect driving away from the area. Police attempted to pull the man over, but he fled.

RCMP air support was called in, and located his abandoned vehicle on a nearby forestry road.

“Several RCMP officers from multiple jurisdictions, which included Kelowna, Midway and Penticton, responded to the area, along with RCMP Police Dog Services from the South Okanagan,” said Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey.

Police described the suspect as “extremely motivated to avoid capture and obviously familiar with the back country.”

The search for the man was eventually called off, and a warning was issued to the public to not pick up any hitchhikers in the area.

Wednesday morning, police received several tips from the public about a hitchhiker matching the suspect's description on Highway 33, between Westbridge and Rock Creek. Police found and arrested the man just before 8:30 a.m.

The 27 year old is now in police custody in Kelowna.