RCMP got something extra when they arrested a wanted person seen in a vehicle in Vernon.
On Saturday, April 8, Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP officers stopped a vehicle to arrest the passenger on outstanding warrants.
鈥淏oth the passenger and driver attempted to flee from police on foot, however, both were arrested in close proximity to the vehicle stop,鈥� said RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.
A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded .22 semi-automatic pistol. Based on findings, investigators obtained a search warrant for a storage locker recently visited by the persons arrested.
Investigators executed the warrant the next day and seized firearms, drugs and stolen property.
During the search investigators also located a small amount of explosives in the form of dynamite sticks and had to suspend the search until the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit could attend and secure items to ensure everyone鈥檚 safety.
鈥淥ne additional handgun, two sawed-off shotguns, three semi-automatic assault rifles, and assorted ammunition were seized,鈥� said Moskaluk. 鈥淎s was a large quantity of heroin and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.鈥�
Police also found numerous stolen automotive parts valued at more than $11,000 stolen during commercial break-and-enters in Vernon earlier this year.
Camera equipment valued at more than $10,000 stolen during a residential break-and-enter in Penticton earlier this year was also seized.
鈥淭his seizure will have a significant impact on public safety, and is another example of the detachment鈥檚 commitment to reducing crime in Vernon,鈥� said Sgt. David Evans with the detachment鈥檚 Targeted Policing Unit.
John Ross, 25, from the Lower Mainland, appeared in court on arrest warrants and new charges relating to flight from police and breach of current court-imposed conditions. Ross was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance April 26.
Taras Becker, 28, from Vernon, appeared in court on numerous charges relating to illegal firearms possession and was remanded in custody for a court date on April 26.
Investigators anticipate additional charges related to firearms, explosives, drugs and stolen property.
