Less than three hours after RCMP turned to the public for help, the Kelowna man who allegedly stole a woman’s purse Thursday morning was positively identified and spotted back at the scene of the crime.
The continued police investigation resulted in the suspect being identified by a keen investigator, within the Kelowna RCMP Regional Detachment, who reviewed the video surveillance footage.
"It was just after 6 pm that the RCMP’s search for their suspect came to an end, thanks to an astute member of the public who spotted the alleged thief back at the Plaza 33 Shopping Centre and quickly called police," said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
RCMP converged on the area and the suspect was located in the area of Gray Road and Park Road where he was subsequently taken into police custody without incident.
“The arresting officer located the elderly woman’s identification and bank card in his possession upon his arrest," said O'Donaghey.
“Along with recovering the victim’s personal identification and bank card, the victim’s purse had also been found by yet another observant citizen inside the dumpster of a nearby business.”
Arrangements will be made to reunite the woman with her belongings, at which point a determination will be made as to whether or not any of her property remains missing.
“The RCMP were very pleased to see the amount of tips called in to police. We wish to truly thank both the media and the public for their assistance in both identifying and apprehending the man responsible for taking advantage of a sad situation and choosing to further victimizing a defenceless woman,” said Cpl. O’Donaghey.
The suspect, a 32-year-old , faces potential charges and is expected to appear in Court on March 16, 2017.