Spike belt deployed to stop stolen picker truck dragging flaming welder: police

Police used a spike belt to stop a stolen picker truck on June 29, 2024. (Credit: RCMP)

A man is facing charges after a police stopped a stolen picker truck that was dragging a flaming welder.

Mounties were notified that the picker truck was stolen from a jobsite near Glenevis on Saturday morning.

They attempted to stop the truck, which they say had the picker boom out and a welder attached to it, but the driver reportedly refused to stop.

"This was a very dangerous and dynamic situation because the stolen picker truck's boom was extended and swinging wildly into traffic and dragging a welder that had caught fire," Mounties wrote in a Friday news release.

Police used a tire deflation device near Highway 16 and Highway 43, and the driver was taken into custody.

Mounties say some vehicles on the highway were damaged as a result of debris left by the truck, but no injuries were reported.

A 31-year-old man was charged with dangerous driving, possession of stolen property, theft over $5,000, mischief, failing to stop for police, and failing to comply with an order.

He is scheduled to appear in court on July 11.