Townsman Staff
Two suspects were arrested at the Cranbrook Husky Saturday, following a manhunt that began in the area Friday night, following a series of vehicle thefts and aggressive driving in the stolen vehicles.
Cranbrook RCMP, Southeast Traffic Services, the police dog service and the crime reduction unit responded to a series of serious incidents Friday, believed associated to a group out of Alberta.
Police first responded to a call of a male and female caught stealing a license plate on Theatre Road while operating what turned out to be a stolen Dodge pickup out of Alberta. Later, the suspects stole another Dodge pickup in the Gold Creek area.
RCMP said in a press release early Saturday that the owner had just returned home and was rammed by his own stolen vehicle. The owner followed the pair of stolen vehicles to the area of Six Mile Lane until he was able to solicit assistance from another motorist to borrow a phone to update police. The suspects in the second Dodge accelerated sharply in reverse and collided with the good samaritan motorist causing injury but also disabling the pickup.
Cranbrook RCMP employed the services of a private helicopter and searched the area with the police dog unit, but without success.
Throughout, police kept the public informed via social media.
Early Saturday afternoon, following a tip, RCMP arrested a pair of suspects at the Cranbrook Husky on Cranbrook Street, with the help of a B.C. Conservation officer.
“The male with the Mohawk and the blonde female have been arrested,” RCMP tweeted. “Cranbrook RCMP [are] still looking into the possibility of a third suspect.
“We do not promote civilians taking police actions but, would be remiss in not acknowledging the bravery of the vehicle owner and Good Samaritans. The assistance of the general public in helping Cranbrook RCMP locate and arrest the suspects is greatly appreciated.”