‘Erratic driver’ on Kelowna pedestrian street did not intend ‘deliberate harm,’ RCMP say

A brief video of the aftermath of the crash was shared with Castanet. (Haley Schmidt / Castanet.net / Contributed)

Mounties in Kelowna are investigating after an “erratic driver” caused a chaotic scene in the city’s downtown Wednesday night.

The incident began around 8 p.m., when officers received a call about a hit-and-run crash, Kelowna RCMP said in a news release.

“Shortly thereafter, additional calls were received regarding a vehicle being driven erratically in the areas of Bernard Avenue, Abbott Street, Clement Avenue, St. Paul Street and Ellis Street,” the release reads.

Responding officers arrived to find a “newer, black SUV performing dangerous manoeuvres.” The vehicle eventually entered the “Meet me on Bernard” pedestrian area of Bernard Avenue, which is closed to cars during the summer.

After colliding with a parked vehicle, the SUV finally came to a stop, police said.

“The driver was taken into custody, and based on the initial investigation, there is no indication to suggest the driver intended to cause deliberate harm to the public,” the release reads. “No injuries have been reported, and the incident is still under investigation.”

Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video to contact the Kelowna RCMP non-emergency line at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2025-49816.

Tips can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.