A determined BC Mountie has been praised after going above and beyond to help bring a fleeing suspect into custody.
The officer, from Midway RCMP, relentlessly pursued a man suspected of breaking and entering in Bridesville after a call came in at about 3 pm on Tuesday.
That pursuit ended up in the bottom of a ravine.
“The break-in suspect entered into the river multiple times before ultimately being located and arrested by the determined officer,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“The arresting officer and his prisoner found themselves nearly 400 feet down the ravine, trapped and unable to climb back out, or [to] be reached by any conventional means. To complicate matters the suspect was quickly becoming hypothermic, while the officer was dealing with exposure to the frigid temperatures.”
Passersby and supporting officers – unable to help the duo out of the ravine – tossed down clothing and materials to make a fire.
At that point, having exhausted all other options, the RCMP called for urgent help from the Canadian Forces, who dispatched a rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.
The prisoner, a 47-year-old man from Bridesville, was airlifted at about 9:20 pm and taken to hospital for exposure-related injuries.
About an hour later, the officer was brought out – but did not require medical treatment.
“BC RCMP expresses its deepest thanks to all those members of the community who were directly involved in looking out for the safety and well-being of one of our front line officers and our client by providing them warm clothing and supplies to start a fire for warmth,” C/Supt. Brad Haugli, district commander of the RCMP Southeast District, said.
“We also would like to sincerely thank our Canadian Armed Forces partners for their valued support.”
As well as the 47-year-old man, another four people, all from the area, were arrested and released at the scene.
They each face charges.
The 47-year-old man, who was wanted on several warrants, remains in custody, police said.
