Burglar caught inside business, getaway driver asleep at wheel

RCMP responded to the scene of a commercial business alarm to find a woman asleep in what police believe to be the getaway vehicle, associated to a break-in suspect still unlawfully inside and unaware police had completely surrounded the West Kelowna business early on Canada Day.

Shortly after 2 a.m. on July 1, West Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a commercial alarm activation at a business located in the 3400 block of Louie Drive.

While on scene and in contact with the alarm company, investigators quickly discovered the alleged break-in suspect remained inside the business as officers could still hear noises coming from within the store.

“West Kelowna RCMP officers set up a perimeter around the building and, with the assistance of a police canine unit from the Kelowna Regional RCMP, created a diversion which ultimately caused the suspect to flee through the holes he allegedly made in the interior walls between businesses, in an effort to avoid capture,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“The suspect, a 53-year-old Edmonton man, who had been wearing items to protect his identity, was taken into custody without incident,” added Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“He faces potential charges, was remanded into police custody over the long weekend and was expected to appear in court on July 4.”

Police later located and identified his alleged accomplice, an Edmonton woman, fast asleep inside a vehicle in a nearby parking lot.

She was questioned and later released, without charge at this time.