Theft suspect caught with hammer in hand

RCMP responded to a call from a Kelowna business owner stating he had real-time video surveillance footage that a man was attempting to break into his business.

He claimed the suspect was using a hammer to break into trailers on a construction site in the 2500 block of Enterprise Way on Sunday, Jan. 15 around 10 a.m.

After getting access to the site, police arrested a male suspect found with a hammer in his hand.

“Initially the male gave officers a fake name, however once he was transported to cells he was positively identified by his real name of 43-year-old Saeed Abbas who is familiar to the RCMP,” said Const. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer.

The officer said at the time of his arrest, the suspect was carrying a duffel bag which was searched by officers and a replica pistol and several break and enter tools were found and seized.

The suspect is no fixed address in Kelowna and police have recommended several charges against him including break and enter, property obtained by crime, obstructing a police officer and breaching a release order.

“The Kelowna RCMP work hard to put offenders like this in jail and are thankful that the justice system has remanded Mr. Abbas until January 20, 2023,” Della-Paolera stated.

Della-Paolera added additional charges are being investigated.