POLICE – Charges, arrests made in Heffley store break-in, other crimes

Charges, arrests made in Kamloops Crime Reduction Unit property crime investigation

Three stolen vehicles were recovered and three people are facing numerous charges following a multi-jurisdiction effort led by Kamloops RCMP.

On Aug. 10, 2023, the Kamloops RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) arrested two men and a woman in connection with a series of crimes, including a recent break and enter at a Heffley Creek store, theft of motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, and offences related to failure to comply with release conditions.

“The arrests and subsequent charge approvals came following an investigation that led the Kamloops Detachment CRU to a property in Barriere and to three suspects,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley.

“With the assistance of frontline officers in Barriere and Kamloops, as well as support units, the CRU was able to take three suspects into custody and obtain a search warrant for a residence, which led to the recovery of stolen property.

“The progression of this investigation is in support of the CRU’s ongoing mandate and continued efforts to enforce and suppress crime in our local communities.”

Multiple charges were sworn in relation to the investigation on Aug. 14, 2023.
Justice Nicara Lee McKay-Saul, 26, of Hope, is charged with: theft of motor vehicle, two counts of possession of stolen property, break and enter, and fail to comply with a release order. She was released and a warrant has since been issued for her arrest.

Raymond Francis Thiffault, 32, of British Columbia, is charged with: theft of motor vehicle, four counts of failure to comply with a release order, two counts of possession of stolen property, and break and enter.

Thiffault was also arrested on warrants out of Chilliwack. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance, scheduled for Aug. 17.

George Walter Saunders, 64, of Hope, is charged with: two counts of possession of stolen property, break and enter, and breach of a court order. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance, scheduled for Aug. 22.

Anyone with information they think may be related to these investigations is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000.