Three individuals were taken into custody on Tuesday during a search for a stolen truck in the South Okanagan, with the police commending a K9 companion.
As per reports, the event initiated when a citizen reported that his vehicle had been hit while pursuing a Oliver RCMPalong McKinney Road near Mount Baldy. stolen vehicle Authorities stated that the suspects — a man and two women — then abandoned the Ford F250 stolen from West Kelowna on Friday, attempting to flee by hiding among the trees.
Police officers from Oliver and Osoyoos assembled in the area, where the citizen was found. Shortly after their arrival, the two women were swiftly located.
Both were discovered in shrubbery close to the road. One is a 22-year-old from Vernon; the other is a 38-year-old from Oliver.
Nevertheless, an extensive search was necessary to locate the driver, a 27-year-old man from Williams Lake. Aerial services were requested, along with a police dog from Penticton.
Sgt. Jason Bayda stated, “The capture and arrest of this man would not have been possible without the determined efforts of police dog Dug.”
“Naturally, I would be neglectful if I didn’t acknowledge the commitment of our dog handler and cover officer who traversed nearly five km of snow and steep terrain under the vigilant gaze of our skilled pilot.”
Law enforcement disclosed that all three were apprehended for possessing a stolen vehicle, with the man also facing additional charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and breaching probation.
Bayda remarked, “We always urge the public to notify us when witnessing a crime and to avoid confronting the suspects.”
“You never know who you are dealing with and what risks they can pose to you.
“In this instance, we are grateful that neither the citizen nor any officers sustained injuries. The man and two women were likewise unharmed, but understandably, they were cold and fatigued.”
“The capture and arrest of (the driver) would not have been possible without the determined efforts of police dog Dug,” mentioned Sgt. Jason Bayda.
