Man arrested near Merritt after reportedly stealing two vehicles and driving recklessly

KAMLOOPS — A man who was on parole has been arrested after allegedly stealing two vehicles and fleeing from police.

Kamloops RCMP received a report of a possibly impaired driver striking a parked vehicle. RCMP responded to the area and located the vehicle that was reported stolen from another jurisdiction.

The driver reportedly crashed into a light post, making the vehicle inoperable, after police attempted a traffic stop. He then fled on foot to a nearby mechanic’s shop and stole a second vehicle, striking an officer while doing so.

After allegedly sideswiping a vehicle in Kamloops, the driver fled and drove to Merritt via Logan Lake. Calls from Kamloops residents assisted RCMP in locating the vehicle.

The man was taken into custody following a combined effort between police Air Services, Kamloops RCMP police dog services, Merritt RCMP and Kamloops RCMP. His parole was suspended.

Anyone with dashcam video of the driver is asked to contact Kamloops RCMP.