Kidnapping in Lower Mainland leads to investigation in Kelowna: RCMP

A person kidnapped in the Lower Mainland was taken to a home in Kelowna last week where they were held against their will.

Officers were called to a report of “suspicious circumstances” at around 11:30 p.m., Sept. 28, at a home in the 400 block of Sands Court in Rutland, according to an RCMP media release issued today, Oct. 2.

A person, who said they had been kidnapped somewhere in the Lower Mainland and transported to Kelowna, escaped and called police to ask for help. The victim was assessed and treated by paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries.

RCMP say it was a targeted kidnapping of a person not involved in criminal activity who was being used to exert pressure on an associate.

The next day, officers with the Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at the same home in Rutland and took a man into custody who was later released.

Investigators are asking the public for information about a “truck of interest”. It’s a newer model white Dodge Ram Rebel pickup truck and an image from surveillance video has been released.

Police don’t believe there’s any ongoing risk to the public.

“This investigation remains in its early stages and investigators continue to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the victim’s allegations,” Kelowna RCMP Staff Sgt. Tim Russell said in the release.

“We are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who has dash camera or surveillance footage, to contact police.”

Anyone with relevant information that may assist the investigation is asked to the Kelowna RCMP Serious Crime Unit at 250-470-6236 and reference file 2026-63566.