A man and woman, both 31, were arrested after a police pursuit involving two stolen vehicles ended with a train striking one of the vehicles on a forest service road near Revelstoke.
Salmon Arm RCMP said the incident began on the evening of Nov. 26, when officers attempted to stop a stolen white Ford E-250 van from New Westminster.
About an hour later, a man had reported that his father’s Ford F-350 was stolen from their driveway in Sorrento. The van was found abandoned nearby.
The suspects allegedly drove the stolen F-350 east along Highway 1 toward Revelstoke. RCMP from Sicamous and Revelstoke deployed two spike belts, successfully deflating two tires, but the vehicle continued.
Police said the truck turned onto a forest service road and became stuck on railway tracks, unable to gain traction. As officers approached to make arrests, a train horn was heard.
“A slow-moving train, estimated to be going 18km/h struck the rear driver’s side of the F-350 spinning it around,” the Salmon Arm’s RCMP statement read. The train came to a stop and a Sicamous and Revelstoke RCMP member engaged in a foot chase when the occupants fled from the truck.
Police said both accused were later transported to hospital out of caution but had no apparent injuries.
“This investigation shows the drive and determination of our officers. It would not have ended with arrests without the fantastic teamwork and communication with neighbouring detachments.” said Const. Andrew Hodges, media relations officer with the Salmon Arm RCMP.
Police said they are recommending multiple charges, including theft of a vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and assault with a weapon.
