Police dog helps catch Kelowna thieves red-handed

KELOWNA – Kelowna police interrupted a pair of thieves who were inside a home on Wardlaw Avenue this morning.

Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says a women was caught red-handed with bags of personal property shortly after 10 a.m. today, Aug. 28, and a police dog found the man nearby.

A 911 call of a break and enter in progress brought RCMP members to the 800-block of Wardlaw Avenue where they found the rear door was “forced in” and “personal property from the home had been placed in multiple bags.”

“A woman suspect was quickly apprehended by police as she fled out the front door of the home,” O’Donaghey says in a media release.

RCMP set up around the neighbourhood and a Kelowna RCMP Police Service Dog named Fitz was brought in to assist with a search for an additional male suspect who had fled on foot.

“The second suspect was tracked down by Fitz and taken into police custody,” O’Donaghey says. “During a search of the suspect, following his arrest, investigators located an automotive key in his possession which they linked to a stolen Jeep SUV, parked nearby the crime scene.”

Inside the stolen vehicle police found more stolen property, as well as a loaded gun.

A 38-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman remain in police custody at this time as RCMP continue their investigation.

Efforts will also be made to identify the rightful owners of the suspected stolen property, police say.

RCMP would like to remind residents to report all suspicious activities to police, never overlook something or someone suspicious. If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP Detachment at 250-762-3300.

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