Photo via Bill Cowen

RCMP say a 19-year-old Kamloops man has been charged after a Kami Cabs taxi was stolen at knifepoint Friday afternoon.

Cpl. Crystal Evelyn says Bradley James Venn is facing one count each of robbery, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, and failing to remain at the scene of a collision.

“The suspect was held for a bail hearing and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance, scheduled for Aug. 11,” Evelyn said, in a statement Tuesday.

RCMP say they were called at 2:47 p.m. on July 5 to reports that a cab driver had been threatened with a weapon and had their taxi stolen from Fortune Drive. Police say they tried to pull over the stolen taxi, noting it collided with two other vehicles before the suspect fled on foot.

“This is was very brazen and dangerous situation in a highly populated area of the city putting the public at extreme risk,” Kamloops RCMP Inspector Jeff Pelley said in a statement last Friday.

“Through the immediate and strategic response of our front line members and Police Dog Services, this offender was successfully arrested and there were no injuries to the public.”

If you witnessed the crash or if you have information, video, or dash cam footage of it, you’re asked to contact Kamloops RCMP at 250 828-3000 and reference file 2022-27242.