Young fraudster puts up a fight in Kelowna mall

KELOWNA – A young man who is alleged to have used to stolen debit cards to try and tap up a tab at Orchard Park mall, didn’t go down easy when confronted by a police officer.

Kelowna RCMP spokesman Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says in a media release the 16-year-old boy was arrested Thursday evening, Jan. 7, after pushing the officer and taking off down the mall.

It took more cops, mall security and some bystanders to run the teen down and take him into custody. RCMP allege he then continued actively resisting arrest, even after being subdued, threatening officers and damaging the police car he was transported in.

Police say they responded after the youth was reportedly trying to buy items at various stores using several credit and debit cards, cancelling purchases if he couldn’t use the tap function.

Once subdued, RCMP say he was found in possession of different pieces of identification, credit cards and cheques from people who had reported their wallets stolen.

O’Donaghey says the youth is facing potential charges of fradulent use of a credit card, breach of probation, escaping lawful custody, assaulting a police officer, uttering threats, obstruction and mischief.

The teen will remain in custody until Jan. 14 when is scheduled to make a video court appearance, police say.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.