Arrests made in kidnapping and extortion incident in Penticton

PENTICTON – A call from an upset grandmother tipped police off to a kidnapping in Penticton this past weekend.

Police received a call from the victim's grandmother early Sunday, Oct. 18, who said her grandson and his dog were going to be shot by a kidnapper if he didn’t pay the man money, according to RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth.

Police were alerted to search for a blue SUV, which they located outside an apartment building at 150 Skaha Pl. They found the victim inside the vehicle, along with three other men, who were arrested. Police also seized a handgun and a rifle.

The victim knew his captors and police believe the incident was targeted and drug related.

One male has since appeared in court, facing recommended charges of kidnapping with a restricted firearm, extortion, uttering threats, unauthorized possession of a firearm, pointing a firearm, using a firearm to commit an offence, using firearm contrary to an order, assault with a weapon and breach. The man will reappear in court Oct. 28 for arraignment.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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