Castlegar police have suspects in custody after late-night break-and-enter spree
By Kyra Hoggan
Police have two suspects in custody after a series of break-ins last night in Nelson and Castlegar. Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Laurel Mathew says two 19-year-old men, both from Kelowna, will be facing at least seven charges in connection with last night’s events. “On Oct 19, just before midnight, Castlegar RCMP officers responded to an alarm at Joey’s Seafood restaurant in Castlegar,” Mathew explained. “The business was checked and was secure. (Roughly) an hour later, RCMP received a call from the Property Representative of Wine Kitz, stating that she had received a call from her alarm company that there was an alarm. Police were not dispatched at that time, but she attended to her business and discovered that it had been broken in to, and called the RCMP.” Mathew said police received another call at roughly 4 a.m., from a citizen in the 1400 block of Columbia Ave., saying two males appeared to be trying to break into a business across the street and describing the van they appeared to be driving. “RCMP members attended immediately and the males fled on foot, leaving the van behind. It was noted at that time that David Williams and Associates had been the target of an attempt break and enter,” Mathew said, adding the suspects ran into the bushes. Further investigation and enquiries in the morning of Oct. 20 revealed that the Beach Hut in Castlegar had also been broken into overnight, but police had not been called to that alarm. It was also learned that three businesses in Nelson had been subject to break and enters over night – Chatters, Downward Dog, and Ariah’s Organic food, and these appeared to be related to the Castlegar crimes. An undisclosed amount of cash was stolen from each of the businesses. There was also property reported missing from 2 of the businesses. Later that morning, Const. Rob Gardener happened upon the duo. “He knew they had left their vehicle behind, and so had been keeping eye out for two male suspects on foot,” Mathew said, noting that good police work was greatly aided, in this instance, by diligent residents. “Police are applauding the concerned citizen who called in, first noticing suspicious behaviour, then providing an excellent description.” The two men are being held in custody pending a court appearance Oct 21. Both are facing the following charges: Five counts of Break and Enter;
One Count of Attempt Break and Enter;
Possession of Stolen property ( # of counts still to be determined). The investigation continues.
