Man takes dip in river in attempt to cool off hot pursuit by police
By Trail Champion
On Thursday, July 21, at 3 p.m., frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officers were conducting a foot patrol when they located a 34-year-old Trail man with an outstanding Warrant of Arrest near the Victoria Street Bridge in Trail, according to Trail RCMP top cop Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
“The officers informed the man he was under arrest; however, he immediately fled into the Columbia River to avoid capture,” Wicentowich said. “The two officers kept the man contained in a small section of the river while additional officers arrived on scene. Officers attempted to convince the man to exit the river peacefully; however, he refused to return to shore.
“Officers observed that the man appeared to be floating neck deep in water; however, realized this wasn’t the case when he suddenly stood up. The man began discarding what is believed to be illicit drugs from his person. Officers took this opportunity to wade into the river and quickly apprehend the man into their custody.”
Wicentowich said Trail RCMP will recommend that Crown Counsel pursue criminal charges of Resisting Arrest by Police Officer contrary to Section 129 of the Criminal Code and Possession of a Controlled Substance contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act against the 34-year-old Trail man.
