RCMP say they stopped and arrested a dangerous driver in downtown Kamloops, just as some people were getting ready for their morning commute to work.

Mounties say an officer spotted a grey Toyota run a stop sign around 6:20 a.m. this morning, before turning left into the path of the police cruiser.

Spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn says the officer recognized the driver and tried to pull him over, noting the Toyota turned the wrong way down Seymour Street “at a slow speed.”

She says the driver then mounted a curb and continues to try to evade police, who were trying to block the vehicle, fearing the driver may have been impaired.

“Fearing a risk to the public, officers called off their efforts to stop the vehicle, out of concern that the driver could increase his speeds and drive erratically in an attempt to evade arrest,” Evelyn said.

In a statement, Evelyn said an off-duty officer then saw the Toyota hit a light post and a building at the intersection of Lansdowne Street and Third Avenue, before coming to a stop on the road. She says officers were able to block traffic and surround the vehicle, all while the driver appeared to be trying to get the car to move again.

“The man resisted arrest, was screaming, sweating, and found to be possession of suspected fentanyl,” Evelyn added. “Concerned he was experiencing excited delirium, officers transported the man to the hospital for assessment, to be returned to police custody following any required medical treatment.”

Evelyn says numerous charge recommendations are anticipated following the conclusion of the investigation.

If you happened to witness this incident or have any other information about it, you’re asked to contact Kamloops RCMP and reference file number 2022-11053.