Salmon Arm RCMP track down theft suspect after attempted getaway by train

SALMON ARM, B.C. — A stolen vehicle suspect allegedly hitched a ride on a passing train while trying to make his getaway in Salmon Arm.

RCMP responded to a report that a red Jeep was abandoned at the end of 70th Avenue NE on Monday afternoon (Feb. 6).

A resident in that area got video of the male driver leaving the Jeep.

Police attended and determined the vehicle had been stolen in Kelowna that morning. Also in the vehicle was a stolen E-bike.

“A good description of the suspect matched a subsequent complaint of a male with the same description hopping on a passing train,” Staff Sgt. Scott West said.

“CP [Canadian Pacific Rail] was advised and alerted police who then began to look for the male near the tracks at local points where the train stopped or slowed to a near stop in Salmon Arm.”

West said the man, who had a distinctive description, was located and arrested near a local business in the west end of Salmon Arm.

“The male was held in custody and was later released as police continue to investigate the charges of theft of a motor vehicle, theft under $5,000 and one charge under the Railway Safety Act for hitching a ride on the train,” West stated.