Store manager helps police arrest suspect

A store manager worked with police to arrest a B&E suspect in Kelowna.

This morning (Oct. 3) around 5:30 a.m., the manager of a business in the 1900 block of Bredin Road called to report a man breaking into the yard of the business. Police attended and found the manager, who had confronted the male in the fenced-in yard.

“The suspect had fled on foot but front line officers were able to quickly locate him in a rear parking lot of the business,” said Constable Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer. “The suspect 27-year-old male, who is well known to police and is originally from the Lower Mainland, was arrested for break and enter and transported to cells where he will be held for a court appearance later today.”

Police recovered two wagons with company property stickers which had been forced through a hole cut in the fence, along with several tools.

Della-Paolera said the suspect is listed on 220 police files including shoplifting, theft of vehicle, causing a disturbance and assault. He has been convicted 33 times since 2017.

“If not for the quick actions of the store manager and response from our front line officers, this individual would still be at large in our community” said the constable.