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Charges laid in theft from mailbox spree
Stemming from the report of a ‘theft from mailbox’ incident in progress on January 22, Grand Forks RCMP recovered a large amount of stolen mail and other property and two individuals were arrested.
On Monday, January 22, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Grand Forks RCMP attended to a theft from mailboxes in progress report in the Christina Lake area. Police encountered and intercepted two suspects in a stolen Dodge pick-up truck. As result of the arrests, an extensive amount of suspected stolen property including the 2014 Dodge pick-up truck was recovered.
Numerous break and enters to sheds and additional thefts from Canada Post mailboxes were subsequently discovered in Christina Lake over the course of that day. Grand Forks RCMP believes these crimes can be associated to the two men. Members from West Kootenay Traffic Services and the Forensic Identification Section are assisting the Grand Forks RCMP with the investigation.
Since the night of the arrest, numerous criminal charges have been laid against 25-year-old Mitchell Olheiser of Cranbrook, who remains in custody. The second man was released on court documents to appear in Court in Grand Forks at a later date.
RCMP members, including the Forensic Identification Section, continue to process several hundred exhibits, with a portion already being returned the rightful owners. The investigation is ongoing with the possibility of additional charges resulting.
It is believed the suspects are responsible for other offences in Cranbrook, Nelson and Castlegar.
“We ask that the public refrain from attending the Grand Forks RCMP Detachment to inquire if their items are amongst those recovered. We are in the process of contacting the owners of the property in our possession. As this is an active criminal investigation, the property will be returned as soon as we possibly can,” stated Sgt. Jim Fenske of the Grand Forks RCMP.
Grand Forks RCMP is working with Canada Post in regards to the return of the stolen mail.
If you have any information regarding these crimes please call Cst. David Forbes or Cst. Nicki-Jo Wolfram (investigators) at 250-442-8288. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
South East District RCMP
