Police dog assists in recovering firearm

A police service dog was deployed to assist in the recovery of a firearm in Kelowna.

At 4:43 p.m. on Friday, April 8, Kelowna RCMP attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the suspect allegedly fled on foot.

Officers pursued the suspect, who was apprehended a few blocks away.

Mounties say evidence suggested the suspect, who was known to carry firearms, my have dropped a gun nearby.

Police Service Dog Jango was brought in to search the 1100 block of Sutherland Avenue, which resulted in the recovery of a loaded 9mm handgun in a backyard of a property.

Officers later learned the property where the firearm was located is frequented by young children and near a popular mall.

“The highly trained Police Service Dog, Jango, was instrumental in removing a gun from the streets of Kelowna and potentially keeping an innocent child from finding it,” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera, Media Relations Officer for the Kelowna Regional RCMP.

A 39-year-old Kelowna man is facing numerous charges, including:

• Possession of a Firearm;
• Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized;
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm;
• Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm;
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose;
• Obstructing a Peace Officer.

His first court date has been set for May 5.