A 37-year-old has been arrested following a police chase around Creston on Tuesday, July 2.
The man, believed to be responsible for several recent property crimes and wanted on an outstanding warrant, failed to stop as officers attempted to halt a truck he was driving, and continue at high speed towards Highway 3.
The man was able to evade police while travelling west on Highway 3, toward the Kootenay Pass, in which RCMP officers from neighbouring detachments were called in to provide assistance with roadblocks set up in various locations.
Given the individual being sought was believed to pose a risk to police and public safety, the Southeast District’s Emergency Response Team (SED ERT) was deployed.
And as it was believed the suspect may attempt to hide within dense forest, a helicopter was enlisted to help.
The officer inside the helicopter spotted the suspect’s truck, which then began travelling back towards Creston.
With roadblocks already in place, highway traffic was stopped in both directions as spike belts were deployed.
The suspect approached one of the roadblocks, drove over a spike belt, and continued driving a short distance before his vehicle was disabled near West Creston Road and Highway 3.
The suspect then fled into the nearby marshlands, where, after an hours long search, the suspect was brought into custody without further incident.
“The suspect was brought into custody without anybody getting hurt and that suspect does remain in custody he’s facing numerous charges related to property crimes and definitely additional charges associated with fleeing from police yesterday as well.” said Corporal James Grandy.
“I am very proud of the way the Detachments in the region came together to address this person’s behaviour,” says S/Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP Detachment Commander.
“Our officers worked cohesively, effectively; and most importantly, in the interest of keeping the public safe. We are grateful for the support of our neighbours and that of the Southeast District Emergency Response and Containment Teams. We appreciate the travelling public’s patience while we safely and methodically apprehended this suspect.”
The suspect remains in custody, facing charges related to property crimes and additional charges associated with fleeing from police.
“A big thank you to the communities that may have been affected, certainly the roads were closed in certain directions for periods of time and we do really appreciate everybody’s patience.” said Grandy.
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