Merritt, Kelowna RCMP nab high speed motorcyclist

A man is facing several charges after leading RCMP on a dangerous journey on Friday afternoon.

The incident began Friday, when Merritt Highway Patrol observed a motorcycle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 97 C.

According to the RCMP report, “for the safety of the public, no pursuit was initiated”. Police did radio ahead to Kelowna Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) advising that the motorcycle was headed their way and provided the vehicle and rider description.

At 4:29 pm police were patrolling Hwy 97C in Peachland when the motorcycle was observed travelling at high rate of speed. The radar unit in the police vehicle showed the motorcycle was travelling at 187 kms/hr. Along with the high rate of speed the suspect was weaving in and out of traffic, passing vehicles in an unsafe manner, potentially putting innocent people at risk.

Two police vehicles attempted to safely stop the motorcycle but were unsuccessful and again there was no pursuit. Police radioed ahead to another IRSU member who observed the bike going into West Kelowna.

Police caught up to the motorcycle at the intersection of Highway 97S and Gellatly Road. Police positioned themselves in front of the suspect bike preventing him from leaving. While an attempt was made to flee, police were able to pull the rider from the stationary motorcycle, where he was quickly arrested for dangerous driving and flight from police.

The adult man has been charged with several offences including two counts of excessive speed, two counts of fail to stop for police, drive without consideration as well as other motor vehicle act offences. The motorcycle was also impounded.  There were no reported injuries and no report of a court appearance.