Alleged hit-and-run driver tackled after causing two accidents

KELOWNA – The driver of a pickup truck is facing charges after allegedly fleeing the scene of one accident before causing another accident while being pursued by police.

The driver of a blue and white truck — a 26-year-old man from Prince George — failed to stop at an accident in Rutland and instead took off with his female passenger.

The incident began at 1:06 p.m. according to a media release from Kelowna RCMP. A witness told police they saw a crash at Leckie Road and Highway 97. The witness followed the vehicle to the Hunter Court area where the man allegedly drove onto a grassy area, causing damage. After that, the witness says the vehicle moved onto Leckie Road at Enterprise Way where it hit another vehicle.

The witness continue to follow and says the driver of the truck failed to stop for a red light at the intersection of Cooper and Highway 97. Mounties were told the truck then hit a mini van, pushing it into an SUV.

The driver and the passenger then attempted to flee on foot but the driver was tackled by the witness.

The occupants of the minivan were taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the SUV were treated and released at the scene. The witness who tackled the suspect was not injured. 

Police told Global Okanagan the truck was not registered to the driver who caused the accidents but they do not suspect it was stolen. He was taken into custody and will be charged.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.