Repeat offender arrested after stealing $10K bike in the Okanagan

Penticton RCMP sprung into action quickly when dealing with a pair of vandals this morning.

According to police, at 10 am, officers were alerted to two men spray-painting bicycles behind a building on Yorkton Avenue.

Upon arrival, the first officer noticed one suspect riding a mountain bike, which the other officer recognized as recently stolen. They told the suspect he was being detained, so he immediately dropped the bike and fled on foot.

In an effort to locate the suspect, multiple other officers, as well as the police dog service, responded to the scene.

Following an extensive search, the suspect was found hiding in thick brush. He attempted to flee once again, though a police dog was able to subdue him.

The 33-year-old Penticton resident remains in custody and faces a number of charges. He was also found to have several outstanding warrants.

“This is yet another classic example of a Prolific Offender creating criminal havoc in our community," said Supt. Brian Hunter. "Prolific Offenders do not care who they steal from, nor do they care about the emotional and financial toll their criminal behaviour has on the countless victims in our community. In this case, a bicycle worth $10,000. The Penticton RCMP will continue to target these Prolific Offenders and work with our Justice System in an effort to hold them accountable for their relentless criminal activity.”