Home »
Police track down alleged vehicle thieves
On December 2 at approximately 6:51 a.m., Elk Valley RCMP responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from the 7-11 in Fernie.
The complainant had gone into the store for a coffee, leaving his vehicle running, and the vehicle was gone when he came out.
Officers on shift responded and located the vehicle, a red 1998 Ford Expedition with a B.C. licence plate, travelling between Fernie and Sparwood in short order, but it failed to stop for police and no pursuit was initiated.
After several changes of directions by the vehicle driver, a witness advised the vehicle stopped in the Hosmer area at the Fire Hall. A male in a grey hoodie was seen leaving the driver’s seat and a female wearing a pink hoodie was seen leaving the passenger side.
Police set up on the location with an unmarked vehicle and within 20 minutes an unmarked grey van was observed picking up the man and woman from the Hosmer Inn. The van headed southbound toward Fernie.
Police intercepted the van and safely arrested the 35-year-old man and 27-year-old woman found inside. The van and driver were proven to be uninvolved with the event and cooperated with the investigation.
Elk Valley RCMP was able to complete the majority of the investigation in short order, which included Forensic and Police Dog Service team support. The Elk Valley RCMP General Investigative Section also assisted.
The man is still in custody, having been remanded to appear in Provincial Court tomorrow via video. The woman was released from custody by way of a Release Order from the Provincial Court.
While charges have been approved, the totality of the event has not been properly assessed by BC Crown Counsel, so the suspect names will not be released by police until further charge assessment is completed.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 to speak with an officer, or contact BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) if the wish to remain anonymous. Please refer to file 2022-3702. Our investigation is ongoing.
e-KNOW file photo
Elk Valley RCMP
