News release

Flight from police leads to multiple charges

April 14, 2026 - Salmon Arm, British Columbia
From: Salmon Arm RCMP

Content

2026-1805

On March 29, 2026, at 7:13pm Salmon Arm RCMP received a report of silver Dodge Dakota pickup truck swerving all over the road, with a couch hanging out of the bed of the truck. The truck was earlier reported to Chase RCMP as speeding and passing on double solid lines.

Salmon Arm RCMP located the truck heading eastbound on Trans Canada Hwy near 4th St NE, a traffic stop was attempted but the truck fled from police. Police re-acquired the truck downtown and observed it speeding, disobey stop signs, and drive the wrong way on a one-way street. At one point the truck lost the couch in the bed, and the canopy also came off the truck as it navigated a turn. Police disengaged for public safety.

At 7:23pm a new report of an erratic silver Dodge Dakota southbound on Hwy 97B came in, last seen on Ranchero Dr E. Salmon Arm RCMP acquired the vehicle on Sonora Rd and followed it to Black Rd where it slammed on the brakes causing a collision between the police vehicle and the truck. The truck then began dragging the police vehicle with it. A second police vehicle arrived on scene and was hit by the truck as well which then broke free and continued southbound on Hwy 97B.

The truck came to a stop on Hwy 97A near Riverside Rd. The driver was the only occupant and was arrested for multiple offences. The driver was found to be prohibited from driving. Empty beer cans were seen inside the truck. A breath demand was conducted, and the driver blew a “FAIL.” The man was transported to cells and held for a bail hearing.

Salmon Arm RCMP received charge approval for one count of each of the below offences on 27-year-old Axel Barker:

• Assault a peace officer with weapon contrary Sec. 270.01(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Dangerous operation of a conveyance contrary Sec. 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code
• Flight from peace officer contrary Sec. 320.17 of the Criminal Code
• Mischief over $5000 contrary Sec. 430(3) of the Criminal Code
• Obstruct peace officer contrary Sec. 129(a) of the Criminal Code
• Operate a conveyance while impaired contrary Sec. 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Axel Barker was remanded into custody by a judge. His next court date is April 14, 2026.

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