One “Gem” of a guy helps police in stick up

On Friday January 29th, 2016 at 2pm, the Penticton RCMP responded to an attempted theft of jewellery from Paris Jewelers at Cherry Lane Mall in Penticton. When Police arrived on scene, one of the two suspects was being held down by citizens that witnessed the incident.

A gentleman who was seated nearby, heard a loud bang and witnessed the suspect use a hammer to smash a display window at the jewellery store. His first response was to tackle the suspect and, with the help of others, he held on until the Police arrived.

A second suspect fled on foot toward Main Street. Witnesses on scene have been able to identify this suspect and a warrant is being sought for his arrest.

Police recovered at 2007 F250 pickup truck that had been stolen earlier in the day, which was the same vehicle that the two suspects were witnessed arriving in. It was left idling outside of the mall entrance.

Nothing was taken in the attempted theft. A 26 year old male resident of Penticton was held in police custody over the weekend and will appear in Penticton Provincial Court today.

Drug Dealer Charged

On January 28th, Penticton RCMP Drug Task Force arrested a 29 year old female resident of Penticton for possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

After receiving numerous complaints about this individual from members of the public combined with police surveillance, the suspect was stopped in a vehicle on Edgewood Drive in Penticton. Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin and Hydromorphone pills were found in her possession along with other evidence to support drug trafficking charges.

“With the help of the public, our drug unit was able to start an investigation and gather evidence against an active drug dealer in our community” said Cpl. Scott VANEVERY, “We ask that the public continue to assist us in solving crimes by calling the Police or Crimestoppers”.

The female was brought before a Judiciary Justice of the Peace and released on a Recognizance of Bail with a number of conditions. She is to appear in Penticton Provincial Court on March 2nd, 2016.