Repeat offender arrested in connection with stolen vehicle

RCMP in Kelowna got reacquainted with a individual who is well known to the police.

The RCMP’s Proactive Enforcement Unit (PEU) located a stolen GMC Sierra in the 200 block of Hwy 33 East in Kelowna on Thursday morning (March 16). The vehicle had recently been reported stolen from the Kelowna Airport’s long-term parking lot.

Officers arrested the male driver, who is considered a repeat offender, at a nearby convenience store.

“A subsequent search of the driver located a weapon on his person as well as stolen items belonging to the registered owner of the stolen vehicle. Additional stolen items were located inside the vehicle. Investigators are still working on determining their origin,”a RCMP news release stated.

James Field has been charged with multiple offences including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 [the vehicle], and is scheduled to appear in court again on March 17.

“Kelowna RCMP continues to proactively investigate offences within the community including property crimes, as part of their crime reduction strategy focusing on repeat and active offenders” Cpl. Guillaume Tanguay of the Kelowna PEU, said.

Tanguay said the incident is a reminder to vehicle owners to secure their vehicles and possessions by either removing or completely hiding any items.