A prolific offender in the Penticton area is back in custody after being arrested sleeping in a stolen car, released on bail and arrested again within 12 minutes of his release.
On Dec. 24 RCMP arrested Jefferey Donald James Pelly, 39, after he was found sleeping in a stolen car, according to RCMP, at the Penticton Home Hardware.
Pelly, who faces charges of possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and a breach of probation, was released on bail Tuesday, and within 12 minutes was back in police custody.
The Penticton Drug Task Force and Crime Reduction Unit watched Pelly leave the probation office at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a media release from the RCMP. Within 12 minutes police watched Pelly smash the window of a vehicle belonging to Penticton Lock and Key and steal a cash box from inside.
“We pursued this male on foot through downtown alleys, over fences and through yards,” said Cpl. Scott Vanevery of the Drug Task Force in a press release. “We called on all our units, both plain clothed and uniform, they surround the area giving him no out.”
Pelly was arrested on Martin Street close to Orchard Avenue. Police say he has been charged with one count of mischief under $5,000 and one count of theft under $5,000 relating to that incident. Pelly is set for a court appearance in Penticton Provincial Court Wednesday.
**Update**
Pelly consented to be remanded to the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre Wednesday.