Biker in Hwy 97 incident through Oliver arrested for stolen property after fleeing scene

Driver arrested after crash

Photo: Google Maps

BC-97 and Road 7 in Oliver

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.

The driver in a motorcycle incident on Hwy 97 in Oliver is well known to police and was arrested following the accident which he fled from, leaving behind an injured passenger.

RCMP received a call of the vehicle incident around 11:15 a.m., which was a single motorcycle incident at Road 7 involving a driver and passenger. As a result of the incident, the female passenger was taken to hospital with unknown injuries.

“Witnesses identified the motorcycle as driving dangerously,” said RCMP Sgt. Jason Bayda. “We believe it was being driven in a reckless manner before it lost control.”

Police set out to arrest the driver for stolen licence plates, believing the motorcycle could also have been stolen.

“The male driver had fled the scene and was later located by members of Oliver, Osoyoos, and Keremeos RCMP, who all basically attended to look for him,” Bayda said.

“He was located a considerable distance from the scene, and we thank the public for their assistance, as we received many calls of his direction of travel and sightings as we were looking for him, and so those sightings were paramount to us being able to find him.”

The male suspect was released from custody, following the motorcycle incident, on conditions to attended court. He is facing charges related to possession of stolen property and dangerous operation of a vehicle. Additional charges could be pending.

The driver, who police say is well-known to officials, is currently being assessed for minor injuries.

1:00 p.m.

Hwy 97 near Road 7 in Oliver is now clear after traffic was controlled for nearly an hour Wednesday morning, following a motorcycle collision.

The Oliver Fire Department attended the scene around 11:40 a.m., along with RCMP.

"One person was being assessed by BC Ambulance, and I don't know about the other person on the other motorcycle," said deputy fire chief Rob Graham.

One motorbike was on scene, however first responders said another vehicle could have been involved but was not on site when emergency teams arrived.

Single alternating traffic was directed for the duration of the response, but has since been cleared.

ORIGINAL 12:21 p.m.

A collision has been reported on Hwy 97 and Road 7 in Oliver, Wednesday around 11:40 a.m, which could cause some traffic delays.

The South Okanagan RCMP detachment has confirmed it is responding to a vehicle accident.

DriveBC also issued a statement, asking drivers to "drive carefully."

?#BCHwy97 Reports of a vehicle incident affecting traffic in both directions near No. 7 Rd in #Osoyoos. Crews en route. Drive with caution in the area and expect delays. #OliverBC

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 24, 2024

Castanet will have more to come as soon as information becomes available.