RCMP unable to track down down hit and run suspect

Mounties in Kelowna were forced to pursue a suspect involved in multiple vehicle collisions, but were unsuccessful in the chase.

An RCMP officer was investigating an unrelated traffic collision at the intersection of Springfield Road and Durin Road at around 5:11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, when he witnessed a green hatchback collide with a school bus, which wasn’t carrying any passengers at the time.

The driver of the hatchback was directed to pull over to the side of the road, but instead took off westbound at a high rate of speed.

The bus driver was uninjured in the collision.

A short time later, the green vehicle was seen by RCMP officers, who attempted to safely stop and box in the suspect. A female passenger exited the vehicle, but the green hatchback fled from police again.

The suspected vehicle struck both a police vehicle, as well as the female while making its getaway.

The female, who was uninjured, was initially arrested but later released at the scene.

The green car was located again in the 2000 block of Loseth Drive after witnesses saw a male exit the vehicle and take off on foot southeast into the forest of Kirschner Mountain.

The RCMP, with assistance of Air Services, Police Dog Services, and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

“We take these incidents extremely seriously and would like to reassure the public that we will be working diligently to identify the driver, in order to hold him accountable for his actions,” said Mark Booth, sergeant in charge of the Kelowna RCMP Traffic Section.

Mounties have determined the license plate on the now impounded green hatchback is not the correct one for the vehicle.

The RCMP’s investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to the case, or have dash cam or surveillance footage of the incidents, are advised to contact the RCMP at 250-762-3300.