Community Alert: River-Swimming Break and Enter Suspect in Kamloops

In the early hours of June 26, 2026, the Kamloops RCMP Detachment responded to a break and enter at a pub in the 3300-block of Westsyde Road, Kamloops, British Columbia. Two suspects allegedly forced their way into the business, stole an ATM, and left the scene in a truck later confirmed to have been stolen. The ATM and truck have since been located, but the cash inside the machine was gone.

Following the incident, police tracked two men believed to be involved to the North Thompson River. One man was taken into custody; the second entered the river, swam across, and has not yet been found despite an extensive ground and water search supported by Kamloops Fire and Rescue. The suspect who swam the river remains at large, and the Kamloops RCMP are asking residents to stay alert and report any possible sightings immediately.

Suspect Image

The following image was released by the Kamloops RCMP to help the public identify the outstanding suspect:

Image: Suspect swimming in the North Thompson River during police search.

Official Incident Details

According to the Kamloops RCMP (File: 2026-20584):

• At approximately 3:30 a.m. on June 26, 2026, frontline officers were dispatched to a report of a break and enter at a pub in the 3300-block of Westsyde Road.
• Two suspects were seen going into the pub and removing an ATM.
• The suspects left in what was later confirmed to be a stolen truck.
• The truck and the ATM have both been recovered by police, but the cash was missing when the ATM was found.
• An RCMP Police Dog Services handler located two men matching the suspects on Westsyde Road.
• The police dog team tracked the men to the North Thompson River, where both entered the water.
• One male was arrested shortly after entering the river area.
• The second suspect swam across the river and has not been located.
• Officers conducted a significant search on land and in the water, with support from Kamloops Fire and Rescue, but were unable to find the outstanding suspect.

Suspect Description – Public Assistance Requested

The Kamloops RCMP are requesting the public’s help in locating the man who swam across the river and remains at large. He is described as:

• Gender: Male
• Race: Caucasian
• Hair: Balding
• Facial hair: Beard
• Distinctive marks: Full sleeve tattoos on his right arm and shoulder
• Clothing (last seen): Blue jeans
• Condition: Believed to be wet, cold, and possibly in need of assistance after swimming the North Thompson River

Police have asked residents, particularly those living east of the North Thompson River in the Kamloops area, to watch for a man matching this description who may still appear soaked, chilled, and potentially seeking shelter or help.

How the Community Can Help

CRITICAL: Do not approach this individual yourself. If you see someone who might be this suspect, or if you have any information about his current whereabouts, contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment or your local police agency immediately. If you believe there is an immediate risk to public safety, call 911 without delay.

This incident occurred within the broader safety landscape of Kamloops, British Columbia. For residents seeking context on local crime trends and risk levels, you can review the Kamloops Crime Statistics & Safety Report and additional Kamloops-area crime and safety data to understand how incidents like break and enters fit into the city’s overall public safety profile.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this alert underscores two key safety concerns for the British Columbia community: property crime targeting local businesses and the risks created when suspects flee through public spaces and waterways. Break and enters that involve stolen vehicles and ATM thefts are often fast-moving events that can shift quickly from a single business location into nearby residential areas. Community awareness is essential—residents should promptly report suspicious behaviour such as people lurking near closed businesses at night, vehicles idling with lights off in commercial parking lots, or individuals who appear injured, wet, or in distress along the riverbanks after a police search.

We encourage everyone in the Kamloops region to keep doors and windows secured, ensure business security systems (cameras, alarms, lighting) are functioning, and to share verified police information with neighbours rather than speculation. When the public stays informed and works closely with law enforcement—by reporting tips, checking home and business cameras, and staying alert to unusual activity—it strengthens community safety and helps resolve investigations more quickly.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.