On the evening of Saturday, June 7, 2025, Elk Valley Regional RCMP quickly apprehended three suspects and recovered multiple stolen bicycles following a timely report of bike theft near the Railyard Dog Park in Fernie.
At approximately 7:50 PM, a witness contacted police after observing several cut bike locks and seeing three individuals hurriedly loading a black e-bike into a green van. The witness captured a photo of the incident, which included a partial license plate. The van fled the scene in the direction of Highway 3.
Responding RCMP officers coordinated to contain both directions of the highway while investigating the vehicle details. An officer noted that the license plate in the photo appeared bent, partially obscuring one character. A systematic search of possible matches led to a vehicle registered in Cranbrook. Meanwhile, the rightful owner of the stolen e-bike also contacted police to report the theft.
Shortly thereafter, an officer patrolling westbound traffic on Highway 3 near Elko spotted the suspect van. A traffic stop was conducted, and all three occupants—known to police and residents of Cranbrook—were arrested. A search of the vehicle revealed three bicycles in the process of being dismantled for part sales. One of the recovered bikes matched the stolen e-bike reported earlier.
All three suspects were released on Undertakings with conditions, including a ban on entering Fernie except for court appearances or transit along Highway 3. The e-bike was returned to its owner that same evening.
On June 8, a second individual came forward to report a stolen bicycle, which was also identified among the recovered bikes and returned. A third bike, a BMX with a visible serial number, remains in police custody. Anyone who believes it may be theirs is encouraged to contact Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 and provide identifying details.
Elk Valley RCMP praised the witness for her quick thinking and timely report, which was instrumental in the successful recovery of the stolen property and arrest of the suspects.
