Police dog catches suspect accused of early morning break in of Lake Country coffee shop

KELOWNA – One of two men seen breaking into a Lake Country coffee shop early yesterday morning is still at large.

Lake Country RCMP were called to Oceola Road around 3 a.m. Feb. 26 for a report of a break and enter in the 11000 block of Highway 97. A media release from Const. Lesley Smith says the store's live monitoring security system let the alarm company relay the suspects’ movements and provided police a description.

“One gained entry into the business and the other was standing watch outside the building,” she says.

Police found a blue Dodge van parked nearby, and upon approaching a male driver reversed and sped out of the parking lot.  

“The officer was unable to stop the van due to its high rate of speed and dangerous driving,” Smith says.

The Kelowna Police Dog 'Ice' led officers across Highway 97 eastbound onto Woodsdale Road behind a gas station, where police found the van crashed into a parked boat and trailer.

Ice led officers to a building on Pretty Road a few blocks away where they located the male along the fence line of the building.  

“He was apprehended by the police service dog and taken into police custody.”

A 52-year-old man from Calgary is awaiting court and facing charges of break and enter and fail to stop for police.

RCMP are still looking for a second male suspect who has not been located or identified.

Lake Country RCMP is asking anyone with information about this investigation or any other criminal activity to please contact their local RCMP Detachment.  If you would like to remain anonymous, call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477.

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