Community helps Nakusp RCMP locate stolen truck/suspect
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Nakusp RCMP has apprehended a suspect connected to a stolen vehicle, which was reported missing from the Cherryville area on May 16, 2023. The operation was successful thanks to the active involvement of community members and the diligent work of RCMP officers, according to Nakusp RCMP Cpl. Thomas Gill.
“At approximately 10:45 am on May 16, Nakusp RCMP were alerted to the possible direction of a stolen truck, initially reported at 6:30 am on the same day,” Gill said. “The only information available at the time was an image of the truck and its license plate number.
“While officers were dispatched to the location, they received additional reports from Fauquier citizens who had observed the same vehicle driving erratically,” Gill added. “A witness on the scene was able to provide a description of the male driver and directions to a forestry road where the truck had been spotted.”
He said upon arrival, officers located the truck parked with a lone occupant in the driver’s seat, and for safety and strategic reasons, officers approached the vehicle on foot, effectively surprising the suspect.
The individual was arrested without incident.
“Johann Blattnig has been charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000 and Failing to Comply with Release Order. Blattnig was previously released on May 7, 2023, for Break & Enter and Possession of Stolen Property, and is awaiting disposition on several other similar charges.”
Blattnig is currently being held for a bail hearing.
Gill expressed his gratitude to the public, “The cooperation and alertness of our community members played an instrumental role in locating and arresting this individual. This incident is a testament to the effectiveness of our community-police partnership.”
The Nakusp RCMP would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
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