Road Rage, Stolen Vehicles, and Chaotic Incidents in Chase & Shuswap

Media Release - Chase RCMP

ROAD RAGE

On December 29, 2023 at 12:19 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of a collision between a pick-up and a box truck on the Trans Canada Highway near Chase. Police were told that the box truck rear-ended the pick-up multiple times and then drove away without stopping. The box truck turned into Chase and drove around the community with the pick-up following until both vehicles were located by Police. The box truck driver provided a version of events which sounded plausible until Police reviewed video of the incident which was captured by a passenger.

Gregory SAGE was charged with assault with a weapon, failing to stop after a collision and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED

On February 3, 2024 at approximately 9:00 am, Chase RCMP were advised of motor vehicle theft from a residence on Pine Street in Chase. The complainant reported that he started his car (a grey 2009 Subaru) then realized he forgot his list inside. He left the car running with the keys in the ignition, intending to be inside only momentarily. When he went back outside – the car was gone. Police conducted extensive patrols of Chase but could not locate the vehicle. Two days later, Chase RCMP received a report of an abandoned vehicle on Vickers Trail in Anglemont. Police attended and located the stolen Subaru. It was missing a rear bumper but was otherwise intact.

QUAD ROLL-OVER RESULTS IN INJURY

On February 5 at 1:56 pm, Chase RCMP were requested to attend the scene of a quad roll-over in the 5000 block of Squilax Anglemont Road in Celista. Police were told that the driver had initially been pinned beneath the quad. Passers-by happened to observe the accident and kindly stopped to assist the driver. When Police arrived, they observed that the driver displayed symptoms of impairment by alcohol; he was slurring his speech and cursing at everyone within ear shot. Statements obtained from witnesses indicated that the accident occurred when the driver attempted to climb a steep embankment and flipped the quad over backward. His injuries were suspected to be relatively serious and necessitated transport to hospital via air ambulance. Police expect to recommend the driver be charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

WELL-BEING CHECK

On February 5 at approximately 7:00 am, Chase RCMP were advised that a man wearing no shoes was acting oddly; running dangerously across the Trans Canada Highway in traffic. Police attended and attempted to engage him in a conversation. The male yelled at Police and ran off toward Brooke Drive. Police later located the male in the Brooke Drive area. During this encounter with Police, the man became aggressive and stripped off all his clothes; apparently in preparation for a fight. He was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to hospital in Kamloops. His feet were bleeding from running around with no shoes.

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR

On February 2 at 6:32 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of a possible break and enter in progress at Whispering Pines Trailer Park on Okanagan Avenue. The caller reported two males running away from a residence with something in their hands. Police attended and located two children with nerf guns playing nerf wars.

IMPAIRED DRIVER

On February 14 at 8:36 pm, Chase RCMP were advised of a suspicious vehicle on the Trans Canada Highway near Pritchard. The caller reported a Chevy pickup hauling an enclosed trailer appeared to be broken down on the side of the highway. When the caller stopped to help, the driver ignored him and refused to roll down his window. Police attended and spoke with the driver, a 33-year-old male with a Nanaimo address. The driver was confused and unsteady on his feet. He said he was waiting for a tow truck but hadn’t phoned one. He admitted that he’d been drinking and Police later found an empty Fireball bottle beside the driver’s seat. Breath samples were obtained roadside that resulted in ‘Fail’ readings, indicating that the driver was impaired by alcohol. He was therefore prohibited from driving for 90 days and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

ROAD RAGE ENDS IN INJURIES

On February 14, Chase RCMP were advised of a road rage incident which occurred on Squilax Anglemont Road at approximately 6:15 am. Police were told that the dispute occurred between a commercial tractor trailer and a silver Dodge pickup. When both trucks stopped at the Highway 1 intersection, one driver exited his vehicle and approached the other vehicle. A physical altercation occurred and one driver was struck in the head with a weapon of opportunity – namely, a coffee thermos. He received minor injuries and was transported to hospital for assessment. The matter is still under investigation.

MISSING PERSON FOUND

On February 13 at approximately 4:00 pm, Chase RCMP were requested to assist in locating a missing person. The caller reported her elderly husband was missing from their residence. The family vehicle was also missing. The husband was said to suffer from dementia and should not be driving. Family suspected he might have become confused or lost and were very worried. Police and family members immediately began searching nearby roads. Family members spotted the vehicle on the Highway and updated Police who were able to intercept. Police were pleased to be able to assist in returning the man safely to his family. Family members advised they will better secure the car keys in the future.

FLIGHT FROM POLICE

On February 19 at approximately 9:15 am, Chase RCMP spotted a grey BMW being driven by a known prohibited driver. Police attempted to stop the vehicle but it fled, driving recklessly through Chase. It was unsafe for Police to initiate a pursuit however the vehicle was soon located (still running) parked at a residence in Chase. When Police knocked at the door, a panicked man emerged from inside. He told Police he was fearful of his roommate and asked for help. Police entered the residence and determined the roommate was the driver of the grey BMW. He was clearly agitated and attempts to de-escalate the situation were unsuccessful. The man removed his pants, took up a fighting stance and began swinging at Police. He was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and transported to hospital for assessment. Police expect to recommend charges related to the driving infractions.