Man claiming to be in medical distress forces way into West Kelowna home

WEST KELOWNA – Police have a man in custody facing charges of assault and theft after a bizarre incident at a West Kelowna home earlier this week.

RCMP say a man showed up at a homeowner’s door in the 2200 block of Louie Drive at around 11:46 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19 saying he was in “medical distress” and needed help.

Paramedics were called and while they were having a look at the man he pushed his way into the home, assaulted the homeowner, took a cell phone and ran out the back door, according to a RCMP media release.

About a half hour later, the stolen cell phone was used to call 911 and officers tracked the phone to a golf course in the Elk Road and Carrington Road area, police say.

“With the assistance of police service dog Ice the suspect was located and taken into police custody without incident,” Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says in the release. “Ice also assisted investigators in locating key evidence in the area which tied the suspect to the alleged break and enter committed on Louie Drive.”

Devon Johah Sims, 35, has been charged with intent to commit an offence, assault, theft under $5,000 and breach of his probation during a court appearance yesterday, Oct. 20. He was remanded in custody and will be back in court on Oct. 27.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and have not yet spoken to police you can contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.

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.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.