Cranbrook RCMP currently have one of their most prolific offenders in custody after being caught with stolen property.
“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.
According to an RCMP statement, on May 31, Cranbrook RCMP were conducting patrols in the Ridgeview area of the Cranbrook and noted a motorcycle they believed had been stolen out of Kimberley. RCMP attempted to stop the vehicle but the sole rider evaded police.
RCMP got a separate call that an unknown man on a motorcycle had attempted to steal items from a camp set up near Highway 3 and 95. 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, with the assistance of a BC Highway Patrol member, were able to locate the stolen vehicle along with the manand he was taken into custody without incident.
Charges of Flight from police, possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a conveyance, break and enter and other offences have been approved.
RCMP are continuing to investigate and suspect more charges to be forthcoming.
“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,” added Forgeron. “We are thankful for the assistance from the public in updating us to his whereabouts during this incident.”