A local resident has his wheels back thanks to an observant off-duty officer of the Salmon Arm RCMP.
On Wednesday, June 5, a man reported to police that his Santa Cruz mountain bike, valued at $6,000, had been stolen after being left unsecured outside an office building in the 800 block of 16th Street NE. Officers spoke with staff but found no witnesses to the theft. However, the complainant was able to provide pictures and a detailed description of the bike, said Const. Andrew Hodges in a media release.
The following day, around 1:15 p.m., an off-duty Salmon Arm RCMP officer was out for a walk when he called on-duty officers after seeing a man riding what he believed to be the stolen bike.
Hodges said the off-duty officer followed on foot, "to maintain a visual of the bicycle’s location until uniformed members arrived."
Police arrived and arrested a 55 year-old man for possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. The man was later released with a future court date, and the mountain bike was returned to its grateful owner.
"This is a great example of our officers always looking to serve our community, whether on or off duty," said Hodges. "Salmon Arm RCMP members not only work here, but also live and play in Salmon Arm and the surrounding area, and always have an eye open no matter if they’re in uniform or not. Our members take great pride in the work they do, and the community they live and serve in."
