(Update 4:15 pm): Through investigation, the Kamloops RCMP has determined that the vehicle a driver was using very erratically on Westside Road was found to be stolen on Friday.
According to police, a friend of the truck’s owner saw the stolen vehicle when he was driving on the Halston Connector. The friend contacted the owner and followed the truck, updating the owner on its location.
The truck stopped in a residential area of Brocklehurst long enough for the owner to attend. When the owner approached the vehicle, the suspects started to drive away so the owner jumped on the back of the flatbed pick-up.
Allegedly, the vehicle proceeded down Parkcrest Avenue where it hit a power pole. It then went down Singh Street, Ord Road and made its way onto Westsyde Road with the owner still hanging on.
Witnesses indicated that the truck was driving into oncoming traffic, going through red lights and exceeding 100 km/h on Westsyde Road. During the spree, there were no injuries, but three other vehicles were struck.
Police rushed down Westsyde Road and found that the pick-up had left the roadway, crashed through a fence, came to a stop in a field, and started on fire. Both of the suspects inside of the vehicle and the owner on the back vehicle made it out safely. Officers attempted to put out the flames but were unsuccessful.
Both suspects were arrested at the scene before being taken to a local medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries. All investigational information will be forwarded to the British Columbia Prosecution Service who will determine charges.
“We are very thankful that there were no serious injuries to anyone involved in this situation,” said Cpl. Jodi Shelkie. “We suggest that the public contact the police if they witness a stolen vehicle being driven. Luckily, the owner was not injured but it could have been a very different outcome.”
(Original - 2:10 pm): Kamloops RCMP was in action this afternoon, responding to an erratic driver.
According to Cpl Jodi Shelkie, at 12:45 pm, police received reports of a pick-up truck that was driving erratically, heading northbound on Westsyde Road. A man could be seen on the flatbed of the truck as it was moving.
Looks like this was the stolen truck from Raleigh a few days ago pic.twitter.com/eYNfbQqM8y
— Kamscan (@Kamscan) October 16, 2019
Multiple officers rushed down Westsyde Road and found that the truck had left the roadway and crashed into a field near Clark Road.
Both the man and woman inside the truck were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. At this time, it appears the man on the back of the truck didn't sustain any injuries.
Numerous residents reported witnessing a vehicle fire involving a similar truck, though RCMP couldn't confirm this at the time.
Shelkie confirmed that the vehicle that damaged a power pole in Parkcrest this afternoon was likely the same vehicle in this situation.
"A witness said she saw a pick-up truck with a man standing on the back of it," said Shelkie. "We haven't had officers go there to take a statement from her, so it's too early to say, but it appears that it may be the same vehicle."
The investigation is still in its early stages so no more information will be given at this time.
