Daycare van stolen, suspects arrested

Two people accused of stealing a van from a Rutland daycare provider, are facing charges after recently being arrested by RCMP.

On April 21, the RCMP’s Target Team and Police Dog Service arrested two individuals at a gas station off Hwy 33 E. The male driver and female passenger were observed operating a Ford Econovan that had been reported stolen from a Rutland daycare provider two days prior.

The male driver, who is well known to police, has been charged with numerous offences including possession of stolen property over $5,000 and several court order breaches.

He has been remanded in custody and scheduled to appear next on May 8, 2023.

The female passenger, who is also well known to police, has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and has been released from custody.

Police say damages caused by the suspects will put the van that is normally used to transport children, out of service for an extended period.

“The Kelowna RCMP’s Target Team actively monitors these types of offenders utilizing specialized training and have taken a no tolerance approach to those who routinely victimize members of our community,” d Cpl. Guillaume Tanguay said.