A 22-year-old Vancouver Island man was taken into custody on March 25 after Merritt RCMP found him sleeping in a stolen car in Lower Nicola.

RCMP confirmed the 2009 Chevy Silverado he was sleeping in was stolen from a car dealership in Kamloops on March 22.

Police have yet to confirm the 22-year-old is responsible for the break and enter in Kamloops, but Staff Sgt. Lorne Wood said it is likely because “he had the keys and everything like that. But that will be proven down the road through forensics from the scene.”

The accused has had very little prior contact with police, Wood said, adding the Merritt detatchment is recommending a charge of of possession of stolen property over $5,000.

He has been released from custody in Merritt under the condition he appear in court later this year.