On February 17th, 2018 at 0740 am Oliver/Osoyoos RCMP Members attended an apartment on Main St as a witness reported a male carrying a large axe had used it to break an entrance door and go inside. The apartment was located on top of a closed business and believed to be unoccupied.
Police Dog Service (PDS) was contacted from Penticton RCMP and members set up a perimeter at the location until PDS arrived. The apartment was searched and members discovered the male had now gone into the business through an access door. PDS member and police dog entered the business. The police dog located a male hiding behind a door to one of the offices and made contact. The PDS member observed the male had an axe raised preparing to strike the police dog. The PDS member was close enough to use this moment, while the suspect was being distracted by the police dog, to grab the axe handle.
A brief struggle ensued over the axe and it was removed from the suspects grip. The male was restrained and arrested by assisting members. This male has been identified as Steve Godbout age 50 years old. Several charges were recommended and approved by Crown Counsel for appearance in court. Steve Godbout is being held in custody, his next court appearance is Feb 28th, 2018.
Sgt. Blaine GERVAIS
Oliver Detachment Area Commander