Fruitvale man in custody after area crime spree, car chase, bike chase and foot chase
By Trail Champion
Police have arrested a man in connection with a crime spree lasting almost 24 hours, according to Trail RCMP Sgt. Darren Oelke.
“Brody Aaron McKellar, 21 years old, of Fruitvale, went on a crime spree around the Fruitvale area lasting almost 24 hours,” Oelke said. “By the en,d he had stolen two trucks, broke into a residence, broke into an RV, stolen numerous items and caused a pursuit with the police.”
McKellar allegedly entered a home on Kootenay Ave about 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 24, where he allegedly stole computer equipment and keys for the owner’s 2007 Dodge Ram pickup.
“The owner woke up to the sound of his car alarm going off and managed to see his vehicle driving out of his driveway. Attempts to locate the truck were unsuccessful,” Oelke said. “The truck was located later that morning in the Pend O’Reille with serious damage.”
Later in the evening, McKellar allegedly stole a 2000 Ford Pickup from the Waneta-Nelway Road area and used it to travel to the 7 Mile Dam area, where it appears he broke into a fifth wheel RV and stole a TV, generator, Xbox, cooler and tools.
“McKellar then made his way back to Fruitvale just after 8 p.m., when he was spotted by the police in the stolen Ford truck. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, McKellar fled at a high rate of speed through Main Street.”
Oelke said police stopped the chase when it became clear the driver was not going to stop, and was thereby creating a danger to other motorists.
“McKellar continued to drive the truck around Fruitvale in a dangerous manner for some time afterwards, initiating many calls to the police.
“The truck was located a short time later at an apartment building, where McKellar took a bicycle in an attempt to elude the police. Police located McKellar on the bike and after a short bike then foot chase in downtown Fruitvale, he was taken into custody.”
McKellar is facing charges of Break and Enter, Theft over $5,000, Theft under $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property, Dangerous Operation of a Motor vehicle, and Breach of Probation x3.
He appeared in court today and has been remanded in custody until Oct. 13 in Rossland Provincial Court.
