Twin Lakes crime spree leads to police chase

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP spent a busy day prior to Christmas tracking down thieves in the Twin Lakes area.

Police responded to calls of break and enters on Grand Oro Road in the Twin Lakes area on Wednesday morning, Dec. 23, RCMP media spokesperson Don Wrigglesworth says.

While investigating the break-ins, police were alerted by another Grand Oro resident of an attempt to steal his John Deere Gator. The resident described four suspects driving a Mitsubishi Lancer with no license plates in the area.

Police located and followed the vehicle for several kilometres, but it refused to stop.

The occupants were observed throwing a shotgun out the window of the vehicle while fleeing.

The vehicle’s driver was identified as Darryn Nelson. He eventually abandoned the Lancer on Saddlehorn Drive in Kaleden.

The suspects then fled on foot, requiring use of the police task force and tracking dog. The last man was captured by the police dog after a five-kilometre chase.

All suspects were involved in break and enters on Twin Lakes Road early that the morning. A search of the vehicle revealed items stolen from those break-ins as well as other stolen items.

Derek Ledgard, Chelsey Thorstenson, Brian Cooper and Nelson are currently in custody following an initial court appearance on Dec. 24.

Police are recommending charges of break and enter, flight from police, theft over $5,000, theft under $5,000, and an outstanding warrant against Ledgard. Charges of flight from police, theft over $5,000, failure to comply with recognizance, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle are recommended against Nelson, while Cooper could face charges of flight from police and theft over $5,000. Thorstenson faces charges of flight from police, theft over $5,000, theft under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, and failure to comply with probation

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