Vernon posted May 7, 2025 @ 11:45am by Josh Duncan

Man jumps into creek in failed attempt to flee from Okanagan Mounties

A suspect fleeing police in the North Okanagan was up a creek without a paddle before being arrested for firearm offences earlier this week.

Around 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 6, an Indigenous Policing Service officer with the North Okanagan RCMP was investigating a report of a suspicious person on Westside Road.

“The officer came across what appeared to be a temporary camp in a wooded area near Bonneau Road, and while inspecting the camp, the officer discovered two firearms in plain view,” an RCMP release explained.

“The firearms were secured and while the officer was assessing the area, a male suspect returned to the camp and immediately upon seeing the officer, quickly fled.”

According to police, a brief foot chase ensued until the suspect jumped into a nearby creek to avoid capture and perched himself on a log in the middle of the fast-moving water.

The RCMP’s Southeast District Emergency Response team, Police Dog Services and a crisis negotiator were all called in to help safely resolve the situation.

Police contained the area while the man refused to come to shore, but eventually a peaceful surrender was negotiated.

The 35-year-old remains in custody and is expected to appear in court today.

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