An attempt to take off with someone else’s boat ended quickly for the would-be thieves, Kelowna RCMP said.
A boat was stolen from a residence in the Upper Mission area of Kelowna on Nov. 6, at approximately 2:15 a.m., RCMP said. CCTV of the theft showed a white Ford pickup truck departing the residence hauling the large fibreglass boat on a trailer.
It was spotted just after noon on the same day, and it was pulled over in a traffic stop in the 3100 block of Casorso Road.
“While the driver and one passenger remained on scene and were safely taken into custody, a second passenger fled on foot and was arrested shortly after in a nearby commercial parking lot,” RCMP said.
As a result of the arrests, police also seized drugs and a gun.
“CCTV footage from a private residence significantly supported this investigation and assisted our frontline officers in recovering the stolen vessel within hours,” Cpl. Michael Gauthier said.
“This video evidence, a watchful eye and several RCMP teams working well together were instrumental in this recovery.”
The driver and the passenger who were arrested at the scene have since been released on undertakings to appear in court at a later date.
The passenger who fled remains in custody for outstanding warrants. Once completed, the investigation will be forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service with recommended charges against all parties.