Man arrested for bear spray incident in town
A 19-year-old Oliver man has been arrested in conjunction with a bear spray incident at the same house where an explosive device detonated under a car last month.
But police say it doesn’t appear the two events are related.
The RCMP report that someone entered the home in the 600 block of Earle Crescent on September 8 and set off a can of bear spray while the owner slept.
At approximately 12:23 am the Oliver RCMP were notified by the fire department regarding a suspicious occurrence at the residence where a pipe bomb damaged a vehicle and nearby garages on August 11.
In the latest incident, the 59-year-old female resident reported waking up shortly after midnight noting a moderate irritation in her throat. As the woman opened the door to her bedroom, the effect worsened, leading her to believe there was a fire in the residence.
Fire crews attended the scene, confirming that there was no fire but noted an oily substance on the kitchen floor. All fire and police personnel on scene noted a mild irritation to their throats when in the residence.
Police conducted a search of the area and located an expended canister of bear spray discarded in some hedges lining the driveway.
The homeowner was treated by paramedics and released.
Police have not yet determined the motivation for the crime, and officers continue to investigate whether this and the August 11 incident are linked.
The 19-year-old male has been charged with break and enter, committing mischief and assault. He has since been released and will appear in Penticton court on October 2.
Anyone with information regarding either this incident or the one on August 11 is asked to call the Oliver RCMP at 250-498-3422 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police have not reported if they have made an arrest or have a suspect in the bombing incident.
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Osoyoos cops get their men
On September 4 the Osoyoos RCMP located and arrested a 25-year-old man who was wanted by the Vernon RCMP for assault with a weapon and possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace.
Police says this is the same man who is being charged for possessing a stolen licence plate in Osoyoos recently.
On September 7, a police officer on patrol checked a male on a black Devinci 10-speed mountain bike on 87 Avenue and Main Street.
The 30-year-old Osoyoos man was arrested on an outstanding warrant for a theft in Penticton. The bike was seized as the man could not prove ownership.
On September 3, police received a report that early that morning a thief had stolen items from a truck parked on Cottonwood Drive.
One of the items stolen was a Tim Hortons card. The owner of the card determined that his card had been used at the Osoyoos Tim Hortons.
Police obtained video from Tim Hortons and on September 5, a 38-year-old Osoyoos man (well known to police) was arrested for possessing and using the stolen card.
A bail hearing was held and the man was released on several conditions including a curfew until he appears in court to answer to the criminal charge.
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Prolific offender scooped up
On September 3 the Penticton RCMP Drug Task Force conducted a vehicle stop on Argyle Street in Penticton and arrested the 3 occupants for drug trafficking(2 adult males and 1 adult female). The officers located a quantity of crystal methamphetamine and typical associated drug trafficking paraphernalia. Officers seized a total of 10 grams of crystal meth. 1 of the males and the female were later released with no charges.
The other male, 41 year old Blair Robert BALCH of Penticton faces a charge of Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking. Mr. BALCH has a total of 84 (eighty-four) prior criminal convictions including previous drug trafficking related convictions.
