A multi-jurisdictional police response led to the arrests of two Kamloops residents in Hope early this morning.
According to the RCMP, it began Monday night when a black Dodge Challenger was stolen from Chase.
In the early hours of this morning, the same vehicle was linked to three separate armed robberies in Kamloops, but the suspects fled the city before officers could locate them.
“As part of the investigation, the Kamloops RCMP Detachment quickly connected with our neighbouring RCMP detachment in Merritt, whose officers were able to re-establish the vehicle’s location as it entered into their jurisdiction, and fled from police there,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley.
“The Division Duty Officer was engaged and a coordinated effort to stop the suspects was developed, which included the assistance of the Southeast District and Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Teams and Police Dog Service Units, as the suspects made their way into the Upper Fraser Valley.”
When the vehicle made its way into Hope, it reportedly did not do so quietly, as there were several calls to police regarding someone smashing in vehicle windows, attempted break-ins and two car-jacking attempts.
According to police, one of the attempted carjackings involved an RCMP officer in an unmarked vehicle who was involved in a minor collision as a result.
Once again, the suspects fled as a nearby hospital was placed in lockdown as a safety precaution while officers flooded the city to try and put an end to the carnage.
Eventually, the first suspect was found in a tree and arrested, while the other was brought into custody after being found in the room of a resident at a care home they had broken into.
“Thanks to the quick action and coordination of police resources, last night’s crime spree…came to a quick end and we can focus on the ongoing investigations to support the charges recommended for consideration and approval,” noted Pelley.
Both suspects are being held for court in Hope and police are seeking to have them remanded in custody.
Anyone with information or relevant video footage of the overnight crime spree is urged to contact the Kamloops RCMP detachment at 250-828-3000.
