Car theft suspects escape from police in South Okanagan leaving gun behind

A Penticton police officer, responding to a call from a concerned resident, discovered two men sleeping in a stolen car at about 8:30 a.m. yesterday morning, Aug. 30, near Partington Road in Kaleden.

The red 1990 Mazda Miata had been stolen from Penticton two days earlier.

“While the officer awaited additional backup, the two men woke up and drove the vehicle further up Partington Road,” a Penticton RCMP news release says. “Despite immediate patrols, the suspects managed to abandon the vehicle in the driveway of a local residence on Partington Road before fleeing the scene.”

An RCMP search dog team was called in and extensive search was made of the Partington Road and White Lake Road area. But, the suspects got away.

A modified single-shot .22 calibre pistol was found hidden under the driver's seat.

Anyone with information is asked to call Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300.

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