Trial continues for Vernon man charged with firearm offenses

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

She told the courts that she received a file regarding a stolen vehicle on Jan. 7,  from a residence located on the Okanagan Indian Band that was tied to a previous incident on Jan. 6.

Water Shut Off Response

Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage

15h ago

42-Unit Project

Fees waived for new supportive housing project in Vernon

16h ago

Investigation underway

One person deceased after fire at North Okanagan farm

19h ago

The court heard that the residence was where Baptiste was living at the time.

When she arrived on scene she was greeted by an elderly man, Richard Oppenheimer, the accused father, who also appeared in court bound by a walker.

He said that his vehicle had been stolen by Baptiste.

Lechy said she went to talk to the accused girlfriend who was wearing a cast. She said the woman “appeared fearful ” when talking to her after learning that Derek Baptiste was not home.  She alleged the woman provided officers a fake name and disclosed that she wanted to end the relationship with Baptiste.

Through social media and police files, officers found out the woman was Joanne Lydia Jack of Penticton. The information also allegedly revealed that Jack was a victim of an assault and that she had a warrant out for her arrest.

Lechy and other officers went back to the home the next day to speak to Jack, but was told that Jack fled the scene. The father of the accused then allegedly told the cops that a domestic assault with a rifle took place between Jack and Baptiste.

While at the home Lechy said she instructed the accused’s cousin to search the bedroom for anything dangerous.

Lechy said she found a piece of evidence related to the incident on January 6 and needed to secure the room for a search warrant. She also testified that she found a small hole by the bed and in the closet.

The accused’s cousin, also testified that a small hole was found in the room.

The court heard that Baptiste was arrested on Jan. 8, 2018 after crashing the vehicle he allegedly stole from his father. According to Constable Warrans, another officer on the stand, he discovered what appeared to be a long gun inside the vehicle . The gun along with four bullets were presented as evidence in court.

Evelyn Peterson, a firearm toolbar specialist took to the stand and described the gun as a 762 39 caliber semi- automatic rifle. She testified that the magazine and cartridges submitted by the RCMP were able to be used by the rifle.

A piece of wall board from the home that had a small hole in it was also presented in court. Peterson testified that she was not able to prove through chemical analysis that the hole in the board was caused by any kind of bullet.

Additional witnesses and expert testimony is expected to take place until Friday

A sentencing date has yet to be set for this case.