Surveillance cameras captured images of the Heffley Creek Store break-in suspects on July 3. (Image Credit: Trent Leggett)

By James Peters

Property Crime

Three people arrested in Barriere, charged with July Heffley Creek Store break-in

Aug 16, 2023 | 12:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — Three people are facing numerous charges after a series of Kamloops-area crimes, including a recent break-and-enter at the Heffley Creek Store.

In a news release, Supt. Jeff Pelley of Kamloops RCMP says the detachment’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) arrested the three in Barriere on August 10. Three stolen vehicles were also recovered.

“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 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.”

The Heffley Creek Store was broken into on July 3, with owner Trent Leggett reporting a cost of about $20,000 in stolen property and damage.

The three people charged are as follows:

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Justice Nicara Lee McKay-Saul, 26, of Hope

• theft of motor vehicle
• possession of stolen property x2
• break and enter
• failing to comply with a release order

McKay-Saul was released after her initial arrest and RCMP say a warrant has since been issued for her arrest.

Raymond Francis Thiffault, 32, of B.C.

• theft of motor vehicle
• failure to comply with a release order x4
• possession of stolen property x2
• break and enter

Thiffault was also subject to unrelated warrants out of Chilliwack. He was remanded in custody, with his next court appearance set for Thursday (Aug. 17).

George Walter Saunders, 64, of Hope

• possession of stolen property x2
• break and enter
• breach of a court order

Saunders was held in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for next Tuesday (Aug. 22).