Assault suspect arrested and stolen property recovered by Mounties

Hope:  Firearms and stolen property were seized by RCMP as an assault investigation led police to the execution of search warrants at three Hope residences.

On the afternoon of August 31, 2019 a call was made to the Hope RCMP to report a victim was assaulted and dragged along the ground in a wooded area near Lake of the Woods.  Hope RCMP investigators quickly identified a suspect who police linked to a vehicle reported stolen on August 25, 2019 from Flood Hope Road and earlier on the morning of August 31 failed to stop for police on Douglas Street.

The individual was arrested in the 200-block of Robertson Crescent by police on the morning of September 3, 2019.

As officers continued to collect evidence during their investigation the suspect was associated to addresses in the 400-block of 6th Avenue and the 300-block of Ferry Landing Road.

On September 3, 2019 around 4:00 pm Hope RCMP executed a search warrant of two residences on 6th Avenue.  Sporting goods, gas power tools, and hand tools linked to current investigations into a series of thefts reported to police were seized during the search.

A second search warrant was executed by police on Ferry Landing Road on September 5, 2019.  Firearms, ammunition, a bicycle, and evidence linked to the assault investigation were seized by officers.

Jacob Paul Sihata, 19, of Hope Is charged with possession of stolen property under $5000, drive while disqualified, flight from police, assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats, forcibly seizing a person, possess firearm without licence and/or registration, and occupying vehicle knowing a firearm is present. Mr. Sihata remains in custody pending a court date in September.

Following a thorough investigation and review of evidence gathered, all circumstances of the investigations will be forwarded in a report by the RCMP to the BC Prosecutor Service for their assessment of further criminal charges.

“Fortunately the victim of the alleged assault was examined by medical personnel and released from hospital,” says Staff Sergeant Karol Rehdner.  “Hope RCMP officers worked relentlessly gathering evidence during our investigations into a recent spike of theft and break and enter reports received by police.”

RCMP remind everyone who witnesses anything they believe to be suspicious in nature to contact the Hope RCMP at 604-869-7750 or, should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).