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UPDATE: Neighbours thrilled over arrest of wanted Vernon man

Michael Hans Bopfinger was considered violent after a weapons incident
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Michael Hans Bopfinger, 47, is wanted for assault, uttering threats, and a number of firearms related offences (Vernon North Okanagan RCMP)

UPDATE Aug. 3:

Residents of a 55-plus condo are thrilled with the news that a wanted man has been arrested.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP arrested Michael Bopfinger in Vernon on his outstanding warrant Wednesday, Aug. 3 shortly after 9 a.m.

One woman, whose name is withheld for her protection, was delighted to see him being cuffed and taken away from the 27th Avenue building where he had been hiding out.

“We’ve been a bit of a nervous wreck,” she said.

Residents in the building were subject to a six-hour lockout two weeks ago when the building was surrounded by police seeking Bopfinger on his warrant.

He was wanted for a weapons complaint from a female victim, who said he pulled a handgun out and pointed it at her.

“Where he held a gun to the female was in the parkade downstairs,” the condo resident said.

Incidents took place even before then with the suspect. Nearly one month ago the residents said there were several police at the condo and she watched as they walked out with Bopfinger and put him in the car, but he was not arrested at that time.

This time, she was relieved to see him wearing handcuffs.

“I yelled out, ‘officer thanks.’”

He was transported to the Vernon Detachment to later appear in court. He is facing charges of assault, pointing a firearm, uttering threats, weapons possession and breach of release order.

The 47-year-old has a history of assault, threats, being unlawfully at large and causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals charges, all which he has been found guilty of.

While this suspect is gone, for now, residents of the condo he was residing in (despite not meeting the 55 age requirement), say issues still remain in the area.

“It’s terrible here, the break-ins we have downstairs here, the needles, it’s insane,” said the woman who saw Bopfinger being arrested.

“It’s a seniors neighbourhood so we’re vulnerable.”

……………………….

ORIGINAL July 24:

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is searching for 47-year-old Michael Hans Bopfinger and is asking for the public’s help.

On July 23 around 2 p.m. officers responded to a weapons complaint outside a residential building in the 3700-block of 27th Avenue.

A female victim informed police of an altercation between her and a man in the parking lot. The man produced what appeared to be a handgun and allegedly pointed it at the victim.

The man walked away and the woman was able to call 9-1-1.

The RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team and RCMP Police Dog Services were deployed to assist in searching for the suspect, but was unsuccessful.

Bopfinger is described as 5’9” and 300 pounds. He has blue eyes, a shaved head, and a full beard.

Bopfinger is wanted for assault, uttering threats, and a number of firearm related offences.

He is considered violent and the public should not approach him and instead call 9-1-1 if located.

READ MORE: Weekend wildland, grass fires doused quickly by Vernon Fire Rescue Services


@thebrittwebster
brittany.webster@blackpress.ca

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Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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