RCMP worked quickly to shut down a brief man hunt south of Hope, after one man allegedly stole a vehicle and was heading toward the TransCanada Highway.
At around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday June 18th, police were alerted of a stolen vehicle travelling westbound from Hope. An officer from Fraser Valley Traffic Services immediately initiated patrols and was joined by members from Hope General Duty.
“The car was reported stolen in Hope on the 15th and the owner called when he saw his car on the highway today”, said Constable Bryan Theoret of Hope RCMP.
Eventually police found the vehicle abandoned on St. Elmo Road. Investigators cornered off the region and along with the Chilliwack Crime Reduction Unit, police service dogs, and RCMP Air Services, authorities began to search the area for the driver.
As the search intensified, area residents reported the man running through nearby fields. At approximately 5:00 p.m. in the evening, the alleged driver of the stolen vehicle was taken into custody by an officer of the Crime Reduction Unit.
Kevin Peter Hucal, aged 28 from Chilliwack, is now facing charges of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of break in instruments. Hucal was released from custody on June 23rd pending a court day in mid-July.
“Our investigation continues as we look into the origin of other property found in the stolen car,” said Corporal Adam Tallboy of Hope.
“Preventing and solving crimes of auto theft is a priority within the detachment area,” said Corporal Mike Rail.” As a result of observant citizens reporting to police coupled with an instant response time a stolen car is recovered and one man faces charges.”
Anyone who witnesses anything they believed to be suspicious in nature is encouraged to contact RCMP.
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