2 arrested after vehicle stolen in Fernie Friday

Two people have been arrested following a stolen vehicle investigation in the Elk Valley last week.

On Friday before 7:00 am, Elk Valley RCMP responded to a report of a stolen car at the Fernie 7-11, police say a man went into the store for a coffee and left his vehicle running but it was gone when he came out.

Police were able to locate the red 1998 Ford Expedition travelling between Fernie and Sparwood but the driver gave them the slip, eventually the suspects were seen entering a grey van in Hosmer.

Police stopped the van and arrested a 35-year old man and 27-year old woman, the driver of the van was found to not be involved in the incident and was cooperative with police.

Call Elk Valley RCMP if you have information which could help with the investigation.

Find a statement from Elk Valley RCMP below:

On December 2 2022 at approximately 06:51 AM, Elk Valley RCMP responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from the 7-11 in Fernie BC. The complainant had gone into the store for a coffee, leaving his vehicle running, and the vehicle was gone when he came out. Officers on shift responded and located the vehicle, a red 1998 Ford Expedition with a BC licence plate, travelling between Fernie and Sparwood in short order, but it failed to stop for Police and no pursuit was initiated. After several changes of directions by the vehicle driver, a witness advised the vehicle stopped in the Hosmer area at the Fire Hall. A male in a grey hoodie was seen leaving the driver’s seat and a female wearing a pink hoodie was seen leaving the passenger side. Police set up on the location with an unmarked vehicle and within 20 minutes an unmarked grey van was observed picking up the man and woman from the Hosmer Inn. The van headed southbound toward Fernie. Police intercepted the van and safely arrested the 35 year old man and 27 year old woman found inside. The van and driver were proven to be uninvolved with the event and cooperated with the investigation.

Elk Valley RCMP were able to complete the majority of the investigation in short order, which included Forensic and Police Dog Service team support. The Elk Valley RCMP General Investigative Section also assisted. The man is still in custody, having been remanded to appear in Provincial court tomorrow via video. The woman was released from custody by way of a Release Order from the Provincial Court. While charges have been approved, the totality of the event has not been properly assessed by BC Crown Counsel, so the suspect names will not be released by Police until further charge assessment is completed.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 to speak with an officer, or contact BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) if the wish to remain anonymous. Please refer to file 2022-3702. Our investigation is ongoing.