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(KIM ANDERSON / iNFOnews.ca)
October 01, 2018 - 3:14 PM
VERNON - A Vernon man is facing numerous charges after crashing into a power pole while fleeing from police when they tried to stop him for distracted driving.
An officer saw a driver on his cellphone during a distracted driving operation in Vernon on Sept. 28, according to an RCMP media release.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, however the driver fled at a high speed east on 43 Avenue and nearly a transit bus and another vehicle, police say. The suspect vehicle continued to drive erratically through heavy traffic on 32 Avenue, allegedly swerving into oncoming traffic and disobeying traffic lights.
Minutes later, the suspect hit a power pole on 43 Avenue at 27 Street and took off on foot.
"Officers responded quickly by flooding the area and setting up a strong containment to keep the suspect within a certain area," Const. Kelly Brett says in the media release. "With the tight containment set up by officers, the suspect male was quickly taken into custody after he was seen running through a neighbourhood."
The suspect, a 21-year-old Vernon man, had outstanding warrants and is facing new charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police, Brett says.
He was released from police custody to appear in court at a future date.
— This story was corrected at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. The original story incorrectly said the driver was texting.
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