On January 9th, 2016 at 10:47am Cranbrook RCMP received a frantic report of a stolen vehicle with a 4 month old infant inside. Investigation revealed the complainant was travelling from Trail to Kimberley when she ran into a female acquaintance in Fruitvale who requested a ride. The complainant left the vehicle running with both passenger and her daughter inside as she briefly attended a Cranbrook residence. Upon discovering the vehicle and occupants gone she immediately called 9-1-1.
Shortly after, Cranbrook RCMP received a report of an impaired driver with fresh vehicle damage at the Tamarack mall parking lot which turned out to be the same stolen vehicle.
Two Cranbrook citizens quickly identified the safety concern with the infant’s presence and provided assistance while phoning police.
RCMP members were quick to respond and returned the unharmed infant immediately to her mother. The driver was arrested at scene and transported to Cranbrook RCMP cells.
Cranbrook RCMP are proposing several Criminal Charges including Child Abduction, Impaired Driving and Refusing to Provide a Breath Sample. The 24 year old Fruitvale resident will appear before a Judicial Justice of the peace on Monday, January 11th. The investigation is ongoing and includes assistance from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Cranbrook RCMP applaud the actions of the two citizens in the quick and safe return of the child in a situation that could very well have ended tragically.
