Kelowna residents catch gun thief, RCMP recover firearms

A man who apparently stole firearms from a Kelowna-area home has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, according to RCMP.

Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey said it was after several residents banded together to subdue the thief that police were able to recover the stolen firearms.

It was on Thursday afternoon that the man was allegedly caught in the act in the 900 block of Old Vernon Road.

Police were alerted shortly after 2 p.m. to a situation unfolding at the scene.

“Several area workers and residents apprehended an alleged thief caught in the act and found in possession of apparent stolen firearms,” O’Donaghey said in a news release.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Several area workers and residents apprehended an alleged thief caught in the act and found in possession of apparent stolen firearms," O'Donaghey said in a news release.

It’s believed the suspect stole a rifle and two handguns along with ammunition for the firearms after gaining entry into the home.

“The suspect, who was believed to be in the process of stealing a red Ford Expedition nearby the scene of the break-in, was confronted and subdued by residents and the vehicle’s owner, who had been working nearby,” O’Donaghey said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The suspect, who was believed to be in the process of stealing a red Ford Expedition nearby the scene of the break-in, was confronted and subdued by residents and the vehicle's owner, who had been working nearby," O'Donaghey said.

He said the suspect is known to police. The 39-year-old Kelowna man was held in police custody and was expected to appear in court on Friday.

The man could face multiple charges including break and enter to commit theft, break and enter to steal a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, along with several firearms offences.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Kelowna RCMP or Crime Stoppers.