UPDATED: Feb. 22, 3 p.m.
By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
RCMP from multiple detachments along with the Southeast District RCMP Emergency Response Team were deployed to a property on 100th Ave. in Osoyoos yesterday in search of Andrew Robert Hardenstine who is considered “armed and dangerous”.
Wanted for multiple province-wide warrants including flight from police, drive while disqualified, drive while prohibited, drive while suspended and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, Hardenstine is known to possess weapons.
He is described as a Caucasion male, 44 years old, 5’9″ tall, 170 lbs, short brown hair (shorter than photo) and numerous tatoos.
Andrew Robert Hardenstine: Considered “armed and dangerous”.
On February 21 at 12 p.m., police in Osoyoos located a recreational vehicle, known to be used by Hardenstine, parked at a property on 100th Avenue.
Members from Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment (PSOSRD) RCMP including Osoyoos RCMP, Keremeos RCMP, Oliver RCMP, Penticton RCMP Police Dog Services, Penticton RCMP Crime Reduction Unit and South Okanagan Highway Patrol, closed the street and surrounded the property.
The Southeast District RCMP Emergency Response Team including an RCMP helicopter were deployed to the scene.
“An extensive and thorough search of the entire property including the recreational vehicle, out buildings and the main residence were searched”, said RCMP spokesperson Sgt Jason Bayda.
“Police located and seized a considerable amount of illicit drugs and a loaded firearm, however the search was not successful in locating Hardenstine. We are confident the land owner or residents of the main residence were not party to any offence”.
The public is being asked for assistance, if anyone knows of Hardentine’s whereabouts, call 911 and do not approach him.
“Mr. Hardenstine, for the safety of yourself the public and police, we are asking you to turn yourself into the police so that your matters before the courts can be dealt with accordingly,” urged Bayda.
UPDATED: Feb. 22, 10:45 a.m.
Police spokesman Cpl. James Grandy said Osoyoos RCMP believed a suspect with multiple province-wide arrest warrants was at a residence on 100th Avenue in Osoyoos.
Because of the possibility of guns being present, the local detachment requested the District 13 Emergency Response Team (ERT).
The Times Chronicle saw at least half a dozen ERT members in fatigues with heavy weapons deploying at around 4:30 p.m. yesterday (Feb. 23) from the Osoyoos Fruit Market on Hwy. 97 to the property towards the end of 100th Ave. below the airport.
A further RCMP car was stationed at the airport and an RCMP helicopter was circling the area. A tracking dog and drone were also used.
Grandy said that upon entering the residence it was discovered the suspect was not present on the property and the response was stood down.
Police vehicles parked along 100th Ave. Don Urquhart photo
RCMP’s District 13 Emergency Response Team (ERT) assembles in front of Osoyoos Fruit Market on Hwy. 97. Don Urquhart photo
