19 hours ago
Motorcyclist driving 187 km/h arrested near Kelowna, RCMP say
An out of focus motorcycle is seen in this undated stock image. (Mohsan Ali Mirza/
Mounties in Kelowna say they arrested and charged a motorcyclist after a number of attempts to stop him as he sped along the Okanagan Connector.
The driver was first spotted by Merritt Highway Patrol speeding on Highway 97 C Friday afternoon, according to police. The detachment didn't chase the man and instead radioed the Kelowna Integrated Road Safety Unit to advise the motorcycle was heading towards them.
Around 4:30 p.m. police in Peachland clocked the motorcycle travelling 187 km/h, the RCMP says.
'Along with the high rate of speed, the suspect was weaving in and out of traffic, passing vehicles in an unsafe manner, potentially putting innocent people at risk,' reads a news release issued Saturday.
Officers attempted to stop the bike but were unsuccessful, and again radioed ahead to another road safety member who saw the driver heading into West Kelowna.
At the intersection of Highway 97 and Gellatly Road, officers caught up to the bike and positioned police vehicles in front of it to stop the man, according to the release.
'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,' it continues.
Video obtained by Castanet shows the motorcyclist lying on the ground with an officer sitting on top of him.
Police say they impounded the motorcycle and the driver has been charged with excessive speeding, failing to stop for police, and driving without consideration in addition to other offences under the Motor Vehicle Act.
'Thanks to Merritt and Kelowna Highway Patrol, Kelowna IRSU and Kelowna frontline officers, this dynamic situation was brought to a quick and safe resolution. There were no reported injuries,' the news release concludes.
