Investigation leads to five charges against Kamloops vehicle thief

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops man is being held in custody after being charged with five offenses following a vehicle theft investigation.

Earlier this month, Kamloops RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver on the 1700-block of the East Trans Canada Highway. As part of the investigation, police discovered the vehicle had allegedly been stolen from the 1300-block of Hugh Allan Drive. The vehicle was located abandoned on June 15 in a parking lot on McGill Road.

“As a result of the ongoing investigation, officers were able to identify a suspect and arrest him on June 17,” said Corporal Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson. “He was held for court and remanded into custody, where he remains following a court appearance earlier today, June 26.”

John Ryder Larsen, 34 years old, of Kamloops is charged with: two counts of failure to comply with a release order; theft of a motor vehicle exceeding $5,000; possession of tools suitable for breaking into a place; and driving while suspended.