Theft suspect tracked down by police dog

Police dog Fitz helped track down a break-and-enter suspect after RCMP responded to a 911 call Monday morning in a Lower Mission neighbourhood.

The call came in shortly after 10 a.m., and police rushed to the address in the 800 block of Wardlaw Avenue to find the back door forced open and loot from the home in several bags.

“A woman suspect was quickly apprehended as she fled out the front door,” said Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“An area of containment was immediately established around the neighbourhood, and a Kelowna RCMP service dog named Fitz was brought in to assist with a search for an additional male suspect who had fled on foot.”

The canine ran down the suspect quickly, and he was arrested.

On the suspect, police found a car key to a stolen Jeep parked nearby.

“A further search of the recovered stolen vehicle yielded further suspected stolen property along with loaded firearms,” said O’Donaghey.

“Efforts will now be made to attempt to identify the rightful owners of the suspected stolen property seized.”

A 38-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman remain in police custody facing several charges.

The investigation continues, and the police are interested in hearing from you if you know anything about this crime. Call the detachment at 250-762-3300.