Details emerging from the single fatal vehicle incident on Chimney Lake Road near Williams Lake Monday show the five males involved were connected to multiple thefts and frauds in the Williams Lake area, the RCMP said Tuesday. Police also confirmed that alcohol and excessive speed were factors in the incident.
On Monday at 1:30 a.m. the Williams Lake RCMP were called to a single roll over MVI on Chimney Lake Road near Brunson Lake.
Upon responding, police determined the Dodge Ram pickup truck involved in the incident was stolen from Grand Prairie, Alberta.
The suspects had replaced the truck’s license plate with a stolen one from Chetwynd, B.C.
A 22-year-old male passenger from Williams Lake was found deceased at the scene of the accident and a 21-year-old passenger who sustained serious injuries is currently in critical condition.
A third passenger was arrested at the scene without incident.
The 21-year-old driver and one of the passengers fled on foot and stole a Toyota Tundra from a nearby residence.
After a brief pursuit with assistance from police dog services, police apprehended both males and took them into custody. When their real identities were verified it was determined both males are from Alberta and the driver had outstanding warrants from that province.
Police found a .22 calibre firearm, a knife and brass knuckles in the stolen vehicle.
Suspect names and those of the deceased and injured will not be released at this time, the RCMP said.
Chimney Lake Road is off the beaten track so when asked what the males were doing there in the first place, Const. Lesley Smith, District Advisory NCO North District Media Relations said the RCMP are noticing more and more that rural areas are being targeted by prolific offenders because of outbuildings that may possess bobcats, boats, ATVs and equipment.
“There are no areas that are safe from people that are driving around looking for property,” Smith said.