Cranbrook RCMP has arrested one of their most prolific offenders after he was caught with stolen property.
Police said officers were patrolling Cranbrook’s Ridgeview area on Wednesday when they noticed a motorcycle that was believed to have been stolen out of Kimberley.
RCMP attempted to stop the rider, but he fled only to resurface in another incident.
“RCMP received a separate call that an unknown male on a motorcycle had attempted to steal items from a camp set up near Highway 3 and 95,” said Cranbrook RCMP officials. “The suspect was run off by people from the camp. RCMP located the motorcycle and the rider was now helmetless on the highway. Members did not engage the motorcycle at this time due to the precariousness of his not wearing a helmet.”
Cranbrook RCMP and BC Highway Patrol were able to find the stolen vehicle along with the man, and he was taken into custody without incident.
“Brandon Maxwell Hopkins, a 29-year-old known to reside in the area, remains in custody at this time and faces numerous charges from Cranbrook, Kimberley and the Fernie area”, said Cst Katie Forgeron.
Hopkins is charged with flight from police, possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a conveyance, break and enter and other offences, all of which have been approved.
The investigation is ongoing and Cranbrook RCMP officials believe there may be more charges coming.
“Cranbrook members spent a fair bit of time in attempting to locate this prolific offender in order to arrest him and take him before the courts,” said Forgeron. “We are thankful for the assistance from the public in updating us on his whereabouts during this incident.”