Police in Nakusp arrested a repeat offender connected to a stolen vehicle from Cherryville yesterday (May 16) with help from the community.
Nakusp RCMP was alerted to the stolen truck at 10:45 a.m. on May 16. At that time, images of the truck and its licence plate were circulating on social media, as residents were urging each other to be on the lookout for the vehicle and its occupants.
Police then received a report from the Fauquier area where residents saw the truck driving erratically, and they were able to get a description of the driver.
Officers then arrived at the forestry road where the male driver was spotted, located the truck parked, and approached on foot. According to Cpl. Thomas Gill of the Nakusp RCMP, officers were able to surprise the suspect and make the arrest without incident.
Prolific offender Johann Blattnig was charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 and Failing to Comply with a Release Order.
Blattnig has had a number of run-ins with authorities and was only released from custody 10 days ago following multiple charges from March 2023.
In March, police uncovered an ‘underground bunker’ full of stolen property on Blattnig’s property. Authorities discovered several stolen items, including a White Ford F350.
READ MORE: Nakusp man in prison following break-in, RCMP discover ‘underground bunker’ on property
In 2016, Blattnig plead guilty to charges of unauthorized possession of explosives after police found dynamite in his home.
READ MORE: Conditional sentence for man arrested with explosives in home
Blattnig is currently being held for a bail hearing.
Nakusp RCMP is reminding the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
@josh_piercey
josh.piercey@revelstokereview.com
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