Vernon man arrested for threatening hitchhikers with sawed-off shotgun

VERNON – An 18-year-old Vernon man has been arrested after allegedly offering a ride to three hitchhikers, but then threatening them with a sawed-off shotgun.

According to an RCMP media release the incident took place just after midnight Sept. 1 in the area of 34 Street and 19 Avenue in Vernon.

Three people told police they attempted to hitchhike and a vehicle pulled over. The ride was declined due to a lack of seats, and an argument started.

"During the interaction between both parties, the ride was declined by the three victims and a verbal argument ensued," Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett said in the release. "The driver of the vehicle then allegedly produced what was believed to be a sawed-off shotgun. The victims quickly fled the area safely on foot."

As the investigation continued RCMP officers along with the Police Dog Service Unit headed to a Vernon property and found the suspect hiding in an outbuilding. The firearm was seized and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

An 18-year-old Vernon male is now facing six counts of firearm-related charges and is scheduled to appear in court at a future date.

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