Tips from the public and the keen senses of a police dog helped the Salmon Arm RCMP apprehend four suspects in the theft of a truck and trailer.
Just before 2 a.m. on Sept. 6, the RCMP responded to a call about the theft of a pick-up truck and trailer from a home on Auto Road.
The owner located his truck and trailer shortly after calling police, but the thieves were still at large.
The investigating officers were able to call on the help of Maco, a police dog. Maco and his handler tracked two suspects to a house and arrested them. The search for the first two suspects was aided by an eye-witness who told the officers where the individuals who were arrested ran, after fleeing the truck and trailer.
Police determined two other individuals were involved in the theft. Another call from the public reported seeing two people looking into vehicles just blocks away from where the first two were apprehended.
RCMP officers and the police dog unit acted on the tip and tracked down and arrested two more suspects. The investigating officers determined the second duo arrested was also involved with the theft of the truck and trailer. One of the arrested suspects attempted to flee from police, but was caught again after a brief pursuit on foot.
The man who tried to escape had four warrants for his arrest in the Yukon. He will be transported to the Yukon to answer to warrants for assault with a weapon, aggravated assault and forcible confinement.
Police will be recommending charges of theft over $5,000 to Crown counsel against the suspects.
In an RCMP news release, the police thanked the members of the public who provided information leading to the arrests.
“This is a fine example of how the public/police partnership works to keep our community safe.”
The arrests were a matter of pride for Maco the police dog and his handler as Maco is nearing a well-deserved retirement and this may be his last call.