RCMP and road safety units from across the region worked together last week to bring down a dangerous driver.
Last Friday, June 6, Merit Highway Patrol witnessed a motorcycle travelling at high speeds on Highway 97C, but did not pursue the rider for the safety of the public, Instead, police radioed ahead to the Kelowna Integrated Road Safety Unity (IRSU), advising them of the motorist that was headed their way and providing them with a rider and vehicle description.
At 4:29 p.m., the motorcycle was spotted speeding once again along Highway 97C, this time by police in Peachland. The radar unit showed the motorcycle was travelling at 187 kilometres per hour, in addition to weaving in and out of traffic and passing vehicles in an unsafe manner.
Police again tried to safely stop the rider but were unsuccessful and there was no pursuit. They also radioed ahead to another IRSU member who saw the vehicle heading into West Kelowna.
RCMP finally caught the motorcyclist at the intersection of Highway 87S and Gellatly Road by positioning themselves in front of the bike and preventing the rider 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," Cpl. Madonna Saunderson stated.
A man was charged with several offences including two counts of excessive speeding, two counts of failing to stop for police, driving without consideration and other Motor Vehicles Act offences. His motorcycle was also impounded and luckily there were no reported injuries.
