After an off-duty Lower Mainland police officer witnessed a driver chasing after his stolen vehicle, the officer’s response assisted other RCMP in apprehending the suspect in the B.C. Interior.

Southeast District RCMP stated today (February 27) that prior to 8 p.m. on February 26, an off-duty Burnaby RCMP officer stopped at a gas station in the Cache Creek area.

He saw a man running in pursuit of his silver Kia Rio, as it had allegedly been stolen by a male suspect.

The off-duty officer followed the vehicle which was heading north towards Clinton and provided updates to police dispatchers in the Kelowna Operational Communications Centre, who relayed the information to responding officers.

The suspect allegedly drove in a dangerous manner, including travelling in oncoming lanes on the highway.

After Clinton RCMP officers deployed a tire-deflation device, the vehicle slowed to a stop and officers were able to apprehend the suspect.

The suspect, a 34-year-old man from Williams Lake, was held in custody overnight and released with his first court appearance scheduled for April 30.

Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to call Ashcroft RCMP at 250-453-2216.