Prolific offender arrested in crime spree in Vernon

A prolific offender was arrested in connection with a recent break and enter, theft and arson in Vernon last week.

On Nov. 16, Vernon RCMP were called to a residence in the 6900 block of Marshall Road just before 3 a.m.

A homeowner was awoken by the sound of his vehicle being stolen after a break and enter to his home.

Shortly after, officers spotted the vehicle, which fled from police, said Const. Kelly Brett.

The vehicle was located minutes later, engulfed in flames, near Okanagan Landing School.

The suspect was identified as a known prolific offender in the Vernon area.

On Nov. 17, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP crime reduction unit observed the suspect operating a vehicle in a drive-thru in the Okanagan Landing area of Vernon just before 1 p.m.

Officers attempted to arrest the suspect, but he drove the vehicle over two curbs and into a neighbouring parking lot at high speed, evading police, said Brett.

Shortly after, the suspect was located in the 4100 block of 24 Avenue.

He fled from police on foot over fences and through a creek, where he was arrested and taken into custody.

Sheldon Veness, a 25-year-old Vernon man, has been charged with break and enter, theft of a motor vehicle, arson, dangerous driving, flight from police and three counts of breach of probation.

Veness is scheduled to appear in court today.