Spike belt disables truck used in Pinantan break-in; suspects still on the loose

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP are hoping the public can help track down theft suspects who took a wild ride while fleeing from police Tuesday night (Feb. 7).

In a news release, detachment spokesperson Cpl. Crystal Evelyn says members of the Tk’emlups Rural detachment responded to the report of a break-in at a store on Pinantan Road at about 9:35 p.m. Tuesday. The thieves took lottery and tobacco products.

Two male suspects in the crime were believed to be driving a dark-coloured Dodge Ram pickup.

“While en route to the location, a police officer observed a purple stolen truck which matched the description of the one used in the break-in,” said Evelyn. “In an attempt to stop the truck, officers deployed a spike belt on Paul Lake Road.”

One of the truck’s tires was deflated, but the driver sped into the city along the Halston Connector.

A short time later, police were called to Curlew Road in Valleyview for the report of an erratic driver. Officers found the truck and stolen items from the Pinantan Road store inside. Subsequent efforts to find the suspects, including with the help of the Police Dog Service, were unsuccessful.

Evelyn asks anyone who noticed the Dodge Ram with a flat tire driving around the city to contact Kamloops RCMP at (250) 828-3000 and refer to file number 2023-4535. In addition, anyone with relevant dashcam or surveillance footage is asked to contact Kamloops RCMP.