(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
June 20, 2014 - 11:54 AM
LAKE COUNTRY - Two children were inside a car that caught fire during a police chase late Thursday night.
A 48-year-old Kelowna man in a white Acura was tracked by officers while speeding north on Old Vernon Road in Kelowna at 11:30 p.m., June 19. He continued onto Highway 97 toward Lake Country. The car was followed by Mounties in an unmarked police vehicle. They called ahead to waiting officers who deployed a spike belt.
Though the driver came face to face with marked cars with their lights flashing, he hit the spike belt and continued going. Even with all four tires deflated he showed no signs of stopping, Const. Kris Clark said in a press release.
It wasn't long before the car was riding on rims and spraying sparks with the undercarriage smoking.
The car was in flames as it came to the exit for the Pelmewash Parkway and the driver stopped. Police discovered two young girls, five and eight, uninjured in the backseat. They were taken into care by the Ministry of Children and Families.
Riding in the passenger seat was a 41-year-old woman.
The man and woman were taken into custody. Both were wanted on outstanding warrants for driving while prohibited.
The man faces additional potential charges for causing a pursuit and driving while prohibited. Other charges may be laid as the investigation continues.
It's suspected the car may have been stolen. The Acura was damaged extensively by the fire.
The woman was held on the strength of warrants and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
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.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014