B & E suspect zapped twice in Vernon

Jul 11, 2018 | 4:30 PM

VERNON — Vernon police officers had to use a conducted electrical weapon twice, on a combative break and enter suspect.

An 84 year old woman called police after someone broke the window on her front door, trying to gain access in the 1000 block of 30th Avenue on the morning of July 4.

The home owner hit the suspect on his hands with her cane, but he was still able to get the keys for her garage.

That’s where police found the man when they arrived. He was reportedly armed with an axe and a hammer, and allegedly became combative towards the Mounties.

“The officers attempted to negotiate with the male to drop the weapons, however he allegedly made it clear that he wasn’t going to jail and would do anything to prevent that,” says Cst. Kelly Brett. “The officers used a Conducted Electrical Weapon in an effort to subdue the male, however had to deploy the device twice as the male continued to fight with police.”

34 year old Justin Inverarity of Vernon was taken into custody and has since been charged with break and enter, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, mischief, assault and breach of probation.

The suspect is being held in custody until his next court appearance on July 12.

“The actions of the man clearly could have resulted in serious injuries to himself, the victim, or our officers,” says Acting Operations Officer, Sgt. Tory Romailer. “We commend our officers for their quick response and ability to re-solve a violent situation safely.”