Man wanted on Canada-wide warrant arrested in Kelowna

A man who police say had been on the run from the law for two years, has been arrested in Rutland.

RCMP officers were conducting pro-active patrols in the area of Mugford Road in Rutland on Sunday, Feb. 13, in response to break and enters in the area, when they located a vehicle that had fled from Penticton RCMP earlier in the day.

“In an attempt to locate the driver, officers attended a residence in the 500-block of Mugford Road,” said Constable Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer. “While speaking to an individual at the residence, officers witnessed a male suspect running and fleeing from the home. Officers pursued the suspect on foot and arrested him without incident.”

While searching the suspect, officers located a loaded handgun and drugs. The suspect is identified as a 38-year-old man who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant out of Ontario for being unlawfully at large for the past two years.

“This is an excellent example of pro-active enforcement,” stated Della-Paolera. “Through attention to detail and quick decision making, our officers were able to take this dangerous offender off the streets of our community”.

The accused, who cannot be named at this time as he may be facing new allegations for which he has not been charged, is being held in police custody awaiting his next court appearance. He could face firearm, break and enter and resisting arrest related charges.

The police spokesperson said the investigation into the break and enters into unlocked homes in the Rutland area is active and on-going. The RCMP reminds residents to keep their doors and windows secure.