Vernon RCMP catch break-in suspect during traffic stop

VERNON – Police in the North Okanagan arrested a break-in suspect during a routine traffic stop.

Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett says in a news release police caught up with the 37-year-old suspect at approximately 2 a.m. on Jan. 31.

Brett says the police officer conducted what he thought was going to be a regular traffic stop for speeding and a no insurance violation, but was instead met with an alleged break and enter suspect in the driver seat.

The man driving the vehicle was identified by police and arrested for allegedly breaking into a home on 30th Avenue on Jan. 22. Some of the break-in victim's belongings, along with several break and enter tools, were allegedly found in the suspect's possession.

"Routine traffic stops can be one of the highest risk things police officers do, as you never know what or who you are going to encounter," Brett says in the release. "This particular stop went well and the officer was able to identify the suspect and take him into custody without incident."

Bradley Joy, 37, from Vernon has been charged with two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of break and enter instruments.

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