Two separate crimes, found weapon puts West Kelowna elementary school under 'hold and secure' | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Two separate crimes, found weapon puts West Kelowna elementary school under 'hold and secure'

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WEST KELOWNA – Police scoured a large part of West Kelowna yesterday for what are now known to be two separate incidents.

Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says in a media release RCMP were alerted to a possible impaired driver in the 1500 block of Merlot Drive around 1 p.m. yesterday, Sept. 28.

“As police arrived on scene they recognized the male as a suspect they believe was connected to criminal activity, namely property crime recently committed in the area. The male fled from his vehicle on foot when approached by officers,” O’Donaghey says in the release.

“RCMP flooded and set up containment in the area of Mission Hill Winery, as they sought the support of both the Kelowna RCMP Police Dog Services section and RCMP Air Services fixed wing aircraft," he says. "An extensive search unfortunately failed to turn up the suspect male, however our police service dog recovered a bag, which contained a loaded firearm.”

It was unclear from the release if the firearm was related to the man they were seeking. Students at Chief Tomat Elementary School were put on a hold and secure as a precaution.

RCMP seized the suspect's silver Cadillac which contained stolen property.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man, approximately 5'7" in tall, a 140 lbs. with short hair. He was last seen wearing grey sweat pants, a black T-shirt and a flat brimmed hat.

O’Donaghey says while searching for him, officers in the area encountered a black Ford Mustang “being operated in a dangerous manner and seen travelling at high rates of speed through school zones.”

He says investigators considered the possibility their suspect was an occupant of the vehicle and using an RCMP aircraft followed its movements to Vernon.

Vernon RCMP found the Mustang on Briarwood Road, and a man and a woman were arrested.

Although the 27-year-old Kelowna man is wanted on unrelated warrants, he and the 28-year-old West Kelowna woman have been ruled out as connected to the incident on Merlot Drive in West Kelowna. They each face potential charges and remain in police custody at this time.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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