On November 4, 2020 the Williams Lake RCMP issued a media release following the recovery of two stolen water pumps that were taken during a Break and Enter to the Tyee Lake Fire Department that occurred on October 27, 2020. At the time, it was reported that charges were being recommended against a 37 year old male from Williams Lake.
On January 28, 2021, Michael Sheldon Johnson was arrested by members of the Williams Lake RCMP on seven outstanding warrants after he failed to attend court as required.
One of these warrants was in relation to the stolen water pumps investigation with Mr. Johnson being charged with:
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of possession of stolen property over $5,000.00, contrary to section 355(a) Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of possession of stolen property, contrary to section 355 Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of deal with identity document without lawful excuse, contrary to section 56.1(1) Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of possessing weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1) Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of possession of stolen property over $5,000.00, contrary to section 355(a) Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of possession of stolen property, contrary to section 355 Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of deal with identity document without lawful excuse, contrary to section 56.1(1) Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of possessing weapon for dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1) Criminal Code.
On or about October 30, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of driving while prohibited or licence suspended, contrary to section 95(1) Motor Vehicle Act.
Michael Sheldon Johnson was also arrested on additional arrest warrants and charged with the following offences:
On or about January 22, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of driving while prohibited or licence suspended, contrary to section 95(1) Motor Vehicle Act.
On or about February 16, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of driving while prohibited or licence suspended, contrary to section 95(1) Motor Vehicle Act.
On or about April 8, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of driving while prohibited or licence suspended, contrary to section 95(1) Motor Vehicle Act.
On or about April 8, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of Possession of Controlled Substance, contrary to section 4(1) Controlled Drugs And Substances Act.
On or about January 14, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of driving while prohibited or licence suspended, contrary to section 95(1) Motor Vehicle Act.
On or about September 20, 2020, at or near Miocene BC, did commit an offence of break and enter and commit indictable offence, contrary to section 348(1)(b) Criminal Code.
On or about September 20, 2020, at or near Miocene BC, did commit an offence of possession of stolen property, contrary to section 355 Criminal Code.
On or about September 20, 2020, at or near Miocene BC, did commit an offence of possession of stolen property, contrary to section 355 Criminal Code.
On or about October 11, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of possessing an instrument suitable for the purpose of breaking into a place contrary to section 351(1) Criminal Code.
On or about October 11, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of Mischief $5000 or under, contrary to section 430(4) Criminal Code.
On or about October 11, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of Possession of Controlled Substance, contrary to section 4(1) Controlled Drugs And Substances Act.
On or about October 11, 2020, at or near Williams Lake BC, did commit an offence of Breach of undertaking, contrary to section 145(4)(a) Criminal Code.
The Williams Lake RCMP held Mr. Johnson in custody on all matters to appear before a Judge in Williams Lake Provincial Court on the morning of January 28, 2021.
Subsequently after a bail hearing and opposition by Crown Counsel to release Mr. Johnson, he was placed on a release order.
Within the release order there were several strict conditions that will continue to be monitored closely for full compliance and pro-active th enforcement by the Williams Lake RCMP. Mr. Johnson is slated to re-appear in court on February 10 , 2021.
High risk offenders or repeat offenders capitalizing on property offences victimizing our city and rural communities remain a strategic priority.
Released by:
Insp. Jeff Pelley Officer in Charge Williams Lake RCMP
Original Media Release:
Arrest and recovery of stolen fire pumps from Tyee Lake Fire Hall made by local Crime Reduction Unit.
On October 27th, 2020, the Williams Lake RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter that had occurred at the Firehall in Tyee Lake. The investigation revealed that suspect(s) entered the building and a tanker truck was stolen along two water pumps and other supplies.
The tanker truck was recovered unoccupied later that day with the investigation progressing.
On October 30th, 2020, the Cariboo Crime Reduction Unit conducted a vehicle stop involving a Ford F150 truck. The driver, a 37 year old male, from Williams Lake was arrested for driving while prohibited.
Furthermore, the stolen water pumps from this crime were recovered in the truck and charges are being forwarded for possession of stolen property. The accused is released on conditions and will be appearing back in court on December 16th, 2020.
Although this was a significant recovery affecting public safety, there are still outstanding stolen items. Investigators still continue to focus on the evidence and identify the offenders who are responsible for compromising the safety of Fire Services for one of our communities with exceptional volunteers. The RCMP will continue to work in cooperation with the Tyee Fire Department.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Williams Lake RCMP at (250) 392- 6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222-8477.
Insp. J.L. (Jeff) Pelley Officer in Charge Williams Lake R.C.M.P.
