Times-Chronicle Staff
A coordinated police effort in Oliver resulted in the arrest of a high profile repeat offender who had a loaded 9 mm pistol in his possession.
On June 22 the Penticton RCMP street enforcement unit and the federal serious organized crime unit observed a known 34-year-old man operating a vehicle in the South Okanagan contrary to court orders.
Police say they observed the individual drive at a high rate of speed in a dangerous manner that posed significant risk to the public. After seeing the police, the man exited the vehicle and fled through a quiet residential neighbourhood on the east side of Oliver where he was subsequently found hiding and arrested.
Located in the man’s possession was a loaded 9mm Beretta handgun and a large quantity of illicit drugs. As a result, Samuel Prescott-Perreault has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on July 7. He is charged with dangerous driving, flight from police, prohibited driving, possession of an unauthorized firearm, and drug related offences.
“This investigation was an excellent example of a co-ordinated effort exercised by police officers from multiple jurisdictions to safely arrest a high profile repeat offender,” said S/Sgt Bob Vatamaniuck of the Penticton RCMP. “It is very concerning when these offenders are in possession of loaded firearms while actively committing crimes and fleeing from the police,” he added. “These actions and firearms pose significant risk, both real and potential to innocent bystanders and our officers.”
These drugs were also seized from the offender.
(Photo contributed)
