Armed Ontario fugitive busted in Kelowna

Police arrested a suspect in Kelowna on the weekend who was wanted on Canada-wide warrant and had been on the lam for about two years.

On Feb. 13, 2022, officers were conducting pro-active patrols around Mugford Road in Kelowna's Rutland neighbourhood in response to break and enters in the area, according to an RCMP media release.

At 8:40 p.m., officers found a vehicle that had fled from Penticton RCMP earlier in the day. Attempting to locate the driver, the officers attended a residence in the 500-block of Mugford Road.

While speaking to someone at the residence, officers saw a male suspect fleeing from the home. The suspect was pursued on foot and arrested without incident, RCMP said. A search revealed a loaded handgun and drugs.

The suspect was identified as a 38-year-old man who 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,” Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Const. Mike Della-Paolera said in the release. “Through attention to detail and quick decision making, our officers were able to take this dangerous offender off the streets of our community."

RCMP said the suspect cannot be named at this time because he might be facing new allegations for which he has not been charged, and is currently being held in police custody awaiting his next court appearance. He may be facing firearm, break and enter and resisting arrest related charges.

Public safety is a priority of the Kelowna RCMP and the investigation into the break and enters into unlocked homes in the Rutland area is an active, on-going investigation, RCMP said. Residents are reminded to keep their doors and windows secure.

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