If you were in downtown Kimberley on Saturday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. and happened to observe a grey GMC Sierra single cab pickup truck speeding through the intersection at Ross St. and Wallinger and then heading up to Townsite, Kimberley RCMP would like to talk to you.
The incident occurred at exactly 4:37 p.m. Kimberley RCMP Cst. Chris Newel says that he vehicle was first made aware of a potential impaired driver just outside of Kimberley near Houle Forest Service Road in Meadowbrook.
“While en route to the call police observed the suspect vehicle, with three occupants, travelling on Hwy 95A toward Kimberley at Meadowbrook Motors where police attempted to stop the vehicle,” Newel said. “The driver failed to stop and accelerated toward Kimberley passing at least one other vehicle in the blind corner at Church Ave.”
At this point, Newel says the decision was made not to pursue the suspect vehicle through town. There was concern for public safety with a high speed chase and police were aware that there were a lot of people in the Platzl area for Oktoberfest.
“The vehicle continued to speed off and proceeded to make a right turn from Ross Street onto Wallinger Avenue toward the Platzl at high rate of speed, barely negotiating the corner,” Newel said. “Tire tracks located at the intersection indicate the vehicle travelled through the south bound left turning lane and into the through south bound lane before correcting and heading up to Townsite. Police conducted extensive patrols of Townsite but were unable to locate the vehicle.”
Police later located the vehicle (with a damaged front bumper) at the owner’s residence, but he had been away and was unaware of what had taken place, Newel says.
“It wasn’t reported stolen, the owner was not aware of what had taken place, other than he noted the damage, until he talked to the police,” said Newel.
If you can assist with identifying the driver of the vehicle, please contact the Kimberley RCMP at 250-427-4811 or call Crimestoppers.