Suspect flees police at high speed near Creston, B.C., gets caught in swamp

A man suspected of multiple property crimes who was speeding away from police has finally been apprehended in a marsh near Creston, RCMP report.

On July 2, 2024, Creston RCMP officers attempted to stop a truck driven by a 37-year-old man suspected of several recent property crimes, who was also wanted on an outstanding warrant.

The suspect failed to stop for police and continued at a high rate of speed toward Highway 3. He managed to elude police as he drove west on Highway 3 toward Kootenay Pass.

Agents from neighboring detachments invaded the area and set up roadblocks at various locations.

“As the wanted individual posed a risk to police and public safety, the Southeast District Emergency Response Team (SDERT) was deployed,” RCMP Cpl. James Grandy said in a news release.

As the suspect was believed to be trying to hide in dense forest, a helicopter was called in to assist.

The officer aboard the helicopter spotted the suspect’s truck, which then began driving back toward Creston. With roadblocks already in place, traffic on the highway was halted in both directions while spike belts were deployed.

The suspect approached one of the roadblocks, drove over a spike mat and continued driving for a short distance before his vehicle was stopped near West Creston Road and Highway 3.

The suspect then fled into the nearby marshes, where, after long hours of searching, he was taken into custody without further incident.

“I am very proud of the way the detachments in the area came together to address this individual’s behaviour,” said Staff Sergeant Brandon Buliziuk, Commander of the Creston RCMP Detachment.

“Our officers worked consistently and efficiently and, most importantly, in the interest of public safety. We are grateful for the support of our neighbors and the Southeast District Emergency Response and Containment Teams.

“We thank travelers for their patience as we safely and methodically apprehended this suspect.”