The Kimberley RCMP is down three police vehicles after a pursuit early Thursday morning.
Cpl. Chris Newel reports that the local detachment responded to a theft in progress at a local golf course (which he did not name).
“An officer responded to the location, where he came across an approaching truck that purposefully struck the police vehicle,” Newel said. “The truck fled after hitting the marked police vehicle. The officer determined that the truck was a stolen vehicle. A second officer was approaching the scene and his vehicle was also struck.”
Newel says police were able to follow the suspect vehicle into the downtown area of Kimberley.
“Once into the downtown core, the vehicle stopped and backed up, hitting the front of the police vehicle. The subjects started down a dead end with a police vehicle behind, realizing they were trapped they turned around and attempted to hit the police vehicle again, but the officer was able to get out of the way. At this point the suspect driver lost control and veered off the road and struck a building damaging the business front.”
The suspect vehicle headed towards the Kimberley Alpine Resort, where again officers were able to contain the vehicle, Newel says.
“The driver rammed both police vehicles, disabling one and was able to take off. The suspect vehicle drove into the Kimberley Ski Hill maintenance yard where again two police cars were able to box the suspect vehicle in and get it stopped.
“Two suspects fled on foot, but were apprehended a short distance away. One suspect was taken to hospital for possible injuries.”
Two police officers sustained back injuries as a result of the collisions; a third police officer sustained an injury to his eye during the foot pursuit.
Newel spoke to the Bulletin Thursday morning, at which time charges were still being discussed, although they will begin with possible charges of Possession of Stolen Property, Flight from Police, Dangerous Driving and Theft.
The possibility of drugs and/or alcohol being involved will also be investigated. Newel said the intent was to get them before a judge on Thursday.
The incident began with two officers from Kimberley, and then additional backup arrived from the Cranbrook Detachment.