RCMP Investigate Alleged Kidnapping After Victim Escapes Kelowna Home

Shraddha Tripathy

10/5/20262 min read

RCMP are investigating an alleged kidnapping after a person escaped from a home in Kelowna and told police they had been forcibly taken from the Lower Mainland.

Police said the victim is not believed to have been involved in criminal activity and appears to have been deliberately targeted.

Investigators believe the person was being held “to exert pressure on an associate.”

“This investigation remains in its early stages and investigators continue to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the victim's allegations,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Tim Russell said.

Police said they do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the general public.

Victim Found in Rutland Neighbourhood

The investigation began shortly before midnight on Sept. 28 after RCMP were called to the 400-block of Sands Court in Kelowna’s Rutland neighbourhood.

Officers located the alleged victim after the person escaped from a nearby residence.

Police said the individual had suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was provided with medical treatment.

The victim has not been publicly identified.

According to RCMP, the person told investigators they had been taken against their will from the Lower Mainland and transported to Kelowna.

One Man Arrested Following Search

The following day, police obtained a warrant and searched a residence believed to be connected with the alleged kidnapping.

One man was arrested during the investigation.

RCMP said he was later released pending further investigation.

No charges have been announced.

Police have not released additional details about the relationship between the victim, the person investigators believe was being pressured, or the individual who was arrested.

Serious Crime Unit Takes Over

Kelowna RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit is now leading the investigation.

Officers are also working with police agencies in the Lower Mainland as they attempt to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and determine how the victim was transported to Kelowna.

Investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity connected to the case.

Police Looking for White Dodge Ram Rebel

RCMP are specifically asking the public for information about a vehicle believed to be connected with the investigation.

Police described it as a newer-model white Dodge Ram Rebel pickup truck.

Investigators are interested in any sightings of the truck between 2 a.m. PT and midnight on Sept. 28.

Anyone with information about the alleged kidnapping or the vehicle is being asked to contact police.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

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