RCMP arrest ‘dangerous individual’ after foot pursuit

A man police describe as a ‘dangerous individual’ and a ‘habitual criminal’ has been taken into custody after a foot chase in Kelowna.

RCMP arrested 29-year-old Brendan Latimer on Monday evening, July 31.

Mounties received a call from a woman claiming she had located her stolen vehicle in a parking lot in the 1500 block of Banks Road. She was able to describe a man who exited the vehicle and entered a popular store. The description matched that of Latimer and multiple officers responded, securing the vehicle before he could return. Officers then entered the business in an effort to locate the suspect.

Once found in the business, a foot pursuit was initiated. As Latimer attempted to flee, he ran across a busy parking lot and street, through a second parking lot before hopping a fence into a secured area. Officers gained access to the area and located Latimer hiding under a tarp. He was arrested for multiple offences.

“Brendan Latimer is a dangerous individual. His actions demonstrate his complete disregard for public safety, the law and the well-being of others,” Sergeant Desmond Kiehlbauch with the Kelowna RCMP Proactive Enforcement Team, said. “If not for the member of the public making the initial call, and the quick response of our officers, this individual surely would have escaped again.”

Kiehlbauch added Latimer has a history of not complying with court conditions when released.

Latimer is being held for court on charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000, breach of release order, obstruction and driving while prohibited.

He has outstanding charges related to offences in Nakusp, Kelowna and Penticton.

Police say the suspect was back in Kelowna after cutting off his electronic monitoring bracelet in Surrey on July 13.

“He poses significant risk to public safety, is known to run from police and has willfully rammed a police vehicle in an effort to escape custody,” a RCMP news release stated.