Men steal ATV from Kelowna dealership, go on dangerous joy ride through city: RCMP

A police helicopter was thrust into action late Tuesday afternoon after two men allegedly stole an ATV from a Kelowna dealership and took it on an hour-long joy ride.

According to the Kelowna RCMP, the two men from Oliver walked into August Luxury Motorcars on Spectrum Court and expressed interest in the 2022 Polaris RZR Side by Side.

While being shown the ATV, one of the men jumped into the driver’s seat and the other took the passenger’s seat, then they simply took off.

“Suddenly and without warning, they sped out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed,” explained an RCMP release.

Police say the two men proceeded to race the stolen ATV through Kelowna over the next hour and were “showing a complete disregard for other vehicles on the highway.”

That “reckless behaviour” allegedly included driving into oncoming traffic and crashing through several fences on private property.

The dynamic situation led to the RCMP helicopter, known as AIR 4, being activated. It was able to locate the ATB and direct ground units to that location.

Officers and police dogs were able to apprehend both of the suspects, who were on foot near Pyman Road in Black Mountain after the ATV had rolled in rough terrain.

"The use of both the RCMP Air Service and RCMP Police Dog Service proved invaluable in swiftly recovering the stolen property and apprehending the suspects without any injuries,” noted Cst. Mike Della-Paolera.

The two Oliver residents, who the RCMP have not identified, are now facing multiple charges under the Criminal Code and BC Motor Vehicle Act.

Police continue to investigate the incident and are urging any witnesses, or those with relevant video footage of the event, to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.