Man in Critical Condition after Assault

On Oct. 10 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Merritt RCMP responded to a call to assist the provincial ambulance. Police attended a residence in the 1300 block of Duncan Street to find a 51-year-old local man bleeding from the head and face. RCMP received information that an unknown person knocked on the door of the residence and then beat up the victim. The victim has numerous head and facial injuries and was transported to Kamloops Regional Hospital where he is currently in critical but stable condition. The investigation is ongoing and police are asking for information from the public. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Merritt Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Public Intoxication

On Oct. 5 at approximately 3 p.m., Merritt RCMP received a citizens complaint of an intoxicated female in the 2800 block of Pooley Avenue. Police located 41-year-old local Melanie Heppner, who was drunk. Further investigation revealed that Ms. Heppner was breaching previous court-imposed conditions to abstain from the consumption of alcohol. She was arrested and held in custody to appear before a Justice of the Peace where she was remanded into custody until Oct. 9, where she appeared before a Provincial Court Judge.

Assault on Quilchena Avenue

On Oct. 6 at approximately 12 p.m., Merritt RCMP responded to a citizens complaint of a male assaulting a 58-year-old man in the 2000 block of Quilchena Avenue. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 29-year-old Dwayne Thomas of no fixed address in Merritt for assault. He was brought before a Justice of the Peace and subsequently held in custody to appear before a Provincial Court Judge on Oct. 9. The victim received minor injuries. Police are thanking the members of the public who alerted them to this assault.

Stolen Scooter

On Oct. 6, Merritt RCMP received a report that an electric scooter was stolen from a shed in the 2600 block of Garcia Street. The scooter had been stolen sometime in the past month and is described as dark blue with black handles and a black seat, and is valued at approximately $5,000. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Merritt Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Break and Enter

On Oct. 6 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Merritt RCMP received a report of a break and enter into a residence in the Coldwater Road area. A description of the suspect male, who was known to the homeowner, was provided to police. While police were en route, another call was received from a citizen advising the suspect male was driving away from the area. A description of the vehicle was provided to the police. The vehicle was located and stopped by police just outside Merritt. The driver, a 42-year-old local man, was found to be operating a motor vehicle while his ability was impaired. He was arrested for impaired driving and for break and enter. The man was later released from custody to appear in Provincial Court in December. There were several conditions placed on his behaviour as a condition of his release.

Unlawful Confinement

On Oct. 7 at approximately 12 p.m., Merritt RCMP responded to a citizens complaint of a suspicious occurrence in the Clapperton Avenue area. Police investigation resulted in the arrest of a local 47-year-old man for breaching his probation. The man was also charged with two counts of unlawful confinement, two counts of assault and one count of uttering threats. He is still in custody pending his next court appearance. The name of the offender is not being released to protect the identity of the victim.

Motor Vehicle Act Violations

On Oct. 8 at approximately 10 p.m., Merritt RCMP conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle in the 2700 block of Granite Avenue. The driver, a local 48-year-old man, stated that he does not possess a valid drivers licence and was prohibited from driving a motor vehicle. He was subsequently arrested for driving while prohibited. During the investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle did not have valid insurance. The vehicle was impounded for seven days and the driver was issued a violation ticket for no insurance, no driver’s licence, and for failing to display validation decal under the Motor Vehicle Act. He will also appear in Provincial Court in December for driving while prohibited.

Stolen Truck

Sometime during the night of Oct. 10, Merritt RCMP were advised that a 1995 Red Ford 250 with B.C. licence plate DN5793 was stolen from in front of Aspen Planners. The vehicle has a white stripe on it. The theft was discovered at 3 a.m. when the owner finished his shift. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Merritt Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Stolen Chainsaw

Sometime between Sept. 20 and Oct. 9, a Stihl chain saw was stolen from a garage in the 2400 block of Chapman Street. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Merritt Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Stolen Stroller

On Oct. 10, Merritt RCMP were advised of a theft from a carport in the 2900 block of Clapperton Avenue. A blue Mastercraft gas generator with a bent handle and a red CCM stoller with duct tape wrapped around the brake cable were stolen. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Merritt Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)