An alert resident and a police dog named Lucy are credited with catching an alleged vehicle thief.
A call came into Chilliwack RCMP Saturday, with a home owner reporting a backyard prowler in the 6800 block of Casabello Drive.
Frontline officers, supported by the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Section (IPDS), responded to the call and came across a vehicle that had been reported stolen.
It was left abandoned in the middle of the street.
Lucy went to work and sniffed out Nickolas David Lafontaine hiding in a camper in the 46000 block of Stevenson Road. Officers searched the 21 year old Kelowna man and found evidence that allegedly links him to the stolen vehicle and stolen identification.
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Lafontaine was arrested and faces a list of charges including failure to comply with recognizance, theft of motor vehicle, possession of break-in instrument, possession of stolen property, possession of an identity document and break and enter.
He remains in custody pending a court date in April.
“An alert resident immediately reporting suspicious activity, timely police response and police service dog Lucy are responsible for the apprehension of the suspect,” said Cpl. Mike Rail, spokesperson for the UFVRD. “Our dedicated officers are on the road in our efforts to ensure the safety of the community.”
RCMP remind everyone who witnesses anything suspicious to contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-702-4611 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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