Stolen vehicle leads to wanted suspect carrying loaded gun, drugs: Kelowna RCMP

Kelowna RCMP say officers seized a loaded handgun after chasing down the driver of a stolen vehicle on Dec. 18, 2024. (Handout)

A stolen vehicle recently led Kelowna RCMP officers to a wanted suspect carrying a loaded gun and a "substantial" amount of drugs, according to their detachment.

Officers spotted the vehicle in downtown Kelowna last Wednesday evening, but the driver allegedly tried to flee on foot.

In a news release, Kelowna RCMP said a suspect was arrested following a short pursuit that was conducted with help from Police Dog Services.

The man was determined to be wanted on multiple warrants, and was carrying both drugs and a loaded .22 calibre handgun, the detachment said.

"The loaded firearm is a stark reminder the dangers all of our officers can face at any given moment," said Cpl. Guillaume Tanguay, in a statement.

"In this particular case, no one was injured, we recovered a stolen vehicle, and we removed potentially toxic drugs and a firearm from our streets."

CTV News has asked the Kelowna RCMP for more information on the drugs, including the quantity and type of substances seized, but did not receive an immediate response.

Authorities have not released the name of the suspect, but said he’s a 36-year-old Kelowna resident. He's scheduled to appear in court next on Jan. 8.

The vehicle that prompted the police incident was stolen from Vernon back in July, the RCMP said.