Police

Robbery at Vernon dispensary nothing unusual — for any business: Pot activist

VERNON - Medical marijuana dispensaries in Vernon were warned about police raids, but an armed robbery got one of them first. Police said three men robbed Black Crow Herbal Dispensary on 48 Avenue at gunpoint the evening of Dec. 30, making off with cash and marijuana products. The robbery comes on the heels of an...

Woman jumps from moving vehicle in attempt to evade Vernon police officer

VERNON - A woman with several outstanding warrants made a dramatic, yet unsuccessful, attempt to flee from police in Vernon. An officer patrolling the area of 30 Avenue noticed a white Chevrolet truck speeding around 3 a.m. Dec. 31 and attempted to pull over the driver. Instead of stopping, the driver fled south on 35...

Salmon Arm teen who died in snowmobile accident identified

ENDERBY - The teen who died in a snowmobiling accident near Enderby over the weekend was Brandon Edward Oullette, 16, from Salmon Arm. According to a release from the B.C. Coroners Service, Oullette was snowmobiling with his father and others at Hunters Range, just north east of Enderby, around 10:30 a.m. Dec. 28 when his...

2015 TOP STORIES: Marijuana goes mainstream as legalization looms

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Marijuana made the news so much in 2015 you could almost smell it wafting across Canada. Supporters could definitely smell change in the air as outright legalization of the drug became part of Justin Trudeau's winning campaign in the 2015 federal election. No sooner was he elected that unions started proposing responsible ways...

Vernon RCMP amping up presence for New Year’s Eve

VERNON - Police will be out in full force in the North Okanagan on New Year’s Eve.  That’s the reminder Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy is giving in advance of this Thursday’s New Year’s celebrations. “Our communities can expect to see road blocks, roving traffic patrols and foot patrols of bar areas, as well as our usual...

Charges laid against man who barricaded himself in Shuswap home, lit it on fire

SALMON ARM - A man accused of barricading himself inside a home and lighting it on fire during a bizarre episode in the Shuswap is facing criminal charges. Adolf Albert Edward Hemmerling, in his 40s, is charged with uttering threats and arson damaging property, in relation to the Dec. 20, 2015 incident. Hemmerling allegedly barricaded...

UPDATED: Missing Kelowna man has been found

UPDATE: 10:20 a.m. Dec. 23. Police say the missing man has been found with self-inflicted wounds and suffering from near hypothermia by hikers near Paul's Tomb on Knox Mountain in Kelowna and apprehended under the Mental Health Act. All personal information has been removed from this post. 10:20 a.m. Dec. 23 KELOWNA - Mounties need...