Penticton RCMP tracked down and took into custody a local prolific offender last week.
Andrew Robert Hardenstine was arrested Sept. 11, 2013 and now faces 11 counts, ranging from failure to comply with recognition, possession of a loaded restricted handgun without a licence and possession of methamphetamine.
On Sept. 11, at around 6:45pm, members of the Penticton RCMP Drug Task Force arrested Andrew Robert Hardenstine at an apartment building complex in the 100 block of Roy Ave, Penticton.
The arrest followed an investigation into Hardenstine’s activities since his recent release on court imposed conditions.
Penticton RCMP Task Force members observed Hardenstine enter and exit an apartment building with a backpack with what appeared to be a long gun firearm draped in cloth, sticking out of the backpack.
Police moved in to arrest Hardenstine when he exited the building a short time later when he was seen getting on a white and orange KTM enduro motorcycle parked in a nearby alley.
Hardenstine attempted to leave the area as RCMP officers moved in to arrest him.
Hardenstine attempted to flee and tried to maneuver the motorcycle around an unmarked police car however collided with it and was knocked down.
The officer exited his vehicle and physically took hold of Hardenstine who then broke free and ran into the grasp of other officers who were nearby.
Hardenstine is alleged to have resisted the arrest resulting in two officers incurring minor injuries, which included a broken wrist to one of the officers.
Officers seized the following items from Hardenstine and the backpack that he was seen carrying:
An SKS semi automatic assault rifle with a folding stock, a loaded 9mm handgun with laser sight and silencer capabilities, plastic bottle containing approximately 100 ml of GHB, 50 shotgun shells, 73 – 9mm rounds, and 10 long gun rifle rounds.
As a result of Hardnestine’s arrest, a search warrant was also executed at an apartment in the building on Roy Ave.
A 40 yr old Penticton woman was arrested and released via PTA and is currently facing a possible charge of possession of a control substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Police seized drug trafficking paraphernalia along with a small amount of meththamphetamine and approximately 800 ml of GHB during the search.
Investigators have also confirmed that the KTM motorcycle operated by Hardenstine was a stolen motorbike from McLure BC.
Hadernstine is facing the following charges and remanded into custody for a court appearance on Monday September 16 in Penticton:
Count #1 S. 145(3) C.C. Fail to Comply Recog
Count#2 S. 145(3) C.C. Fail to Comply Recog
Count#3 S. 117.01(1) C.C. Possess Firearm (handgun) while Prohibited
Count#4 S. 129(a) C.C. Obstruct PO
Count#5 S. 95(1) C.C. Possess Loaded Restricted Handgun w/out a Licence
Count#6 S. 91(1) C.C. Possess Firearm, handgun, while not being licenced
Count#7 S. 91(1) C.C. Possess Firearm, assault rifle, while not being licenced
Count#8 S. 117.01(1) C.C. Possess Firearm (assault rifle) while Prohibited
Count#9 S. 4(1) CDSA Possession (dilaudid)
Count#10 S.4(1) CDSA Possession (methamphetamine)
Count#11 S. 4(1) CDSA Possession (ghb)
