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Police hunt for B&E suspect in Southview area
UPDATE
Police are currently searching for a suspect in the Southview area of Cranbrook. The suspect is described as 25-35 years of age. He was last seen wearing a black Hoodie, but he may have discarded that and be dressed inappropriately for the weather. Residents in the area are asked to call 9-1-1 if they observe a person in the area fitting this description.
Two persons were arrested after at alarm at Kootenay Pawnbrokers was activated just before midnight on Jan 28.
When RCMP arrived the gate was open and several items from the Pawn Shop were located in the driveway. Numerous items were removed from the store by unknown persons. Video surveillance showed three persons entered the business wearing masks and gloves.
A short time later, officers located two suspects at a local motel where, after speaking with persons in the room, were arrested in relation to the break in. While arresting the male and female, noise was heard coming from the bathroom. RCMP entered the bathroom and found the window was taken out and it appeared someone had exited through the window.
Moments later a black VW Jetta was seen leaving from behind the Model A Motel. The vehicle took off at a high rate of speed toward Fernie. Officers conducted patrols toward Fernie, when they observed the suspect vehicle coming towards them at 177 km/h. Officers activated their emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicle; it did not stop and in fact sped up.
The Model A Motel has confirmed that the suspect(s) were not staying at the motel.
Police Dog Services attended and deployed the spike belt on Highway 3, just east of Cranbrook, the suspect Jetta managed to evade the belt and after turning back west continued on into Cranbrook. A second RCMP member attempted to stop the vehicle but again the vehicle managed to maneuver around the police vehicle.
Due to safety concerns the pursuit was terminated as the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed down the Cranbrook strip, running red lights. Extensive patrols resulted in the Jetta, which had been reported as stolen, being recovered
A male and female who claim to be from Calgary are currently in custody. At this time police are working to confirm their identity and charges are pending.
The Cranbrook Forensic Identification Section is currently examining the vehicle.
RCMP
