Kelowna police found loaded guns, weapons at homeless bike chop shop

An officer with the Kelowna RCMP discovered a bike chop shop after a concerned citizen reported suspicious activity. 

Following up on a tip that a group of people were moving a large amount of items down the street, the officer attended the 3200 block of Amand Street around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 9, according to an RCMP press release.

A bike, verified to be stolen, was found at the start of a trail that led to a “sophisticated” camp described by the RCMP as a bike chop shop.

The camp had five men living in it.

While speaking with them, the officer learned that a firearm was possibly in one of three tents.

READ MORE: Small brush fire sparked by Kelowna homeless camp

The responding officer called for backup and arrested the men.

After searching the camp, police discovered a “large amount” of cash, loaded firearms, edged weapons, bear spray and other items believed to have been stolen, all of which was seized.

The investigation is ongoing and police are attempting to identify the rightful owners of the seized goods.

“These weapons are now off the streets of Kelowna but are a prime example why the police have concerns with citizens taking the law into their own hands and entering these types of encampments, this could have been a very different outcome,” said Const. Della-Paolera with the Kelowna RCMP.

If any of the items in the photos belong to you, and you want them back, contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference number 2022-57365.

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