By Kate Bouey

Smashed: Culprit wreaks havoc at Okanagan Spirits in Kelowna

Aug 14, 2019 | 11:48 AM

Between $8,000 to $10,000 in damage was done to the Okanagan Spirits store in downtown Kelowna overnight after a person broke into the Bernard Avenue site, according to co-owner Tyler Dyck.

The suspect, a West Kelowna youth, faces potential charges, confirmed RCMP.

The boy is believed to be 15 years old, Dyck said.

Surveillance video timed the break-in at 12:32 a.m. Wednesday, when a young male smashed a window, climbed in and then wreaked havoc in the store.

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“He was breaking bottles, a custom countertop, chairs and stools,” Dyck said.

There is concern the countertop, made from specially selected bottles from the distillery, cannot be repaired, leading to a much higher bill for the damage, he said.

Three of the large front windows were smashed and were boarded up until then can be replaced.

Thankfully the still appeared to be undamaged, he said.

Dyck said the male suspect was caught outside by some Good Samaritans and handed over to police.

RCMP said the suspect was taken into custody and later released on conditions into the care of a guardian.

“The youth faces potential charges and is expected to appear in court in early December,” an RCMP press release said.

Meanwhile, Dyck bemoaned “the escalating issues nightly in downtown Kelowna.”

He said that in a recent meeting with city officials, Kelowna’s lakeside blocks were described as a “city jewel.”

“But they have not come up with any sort of plan to create a better downtown,” he added, pointing to mental health issues and the lack of affordable housing.

Despite the damage to the downtown store, it opened for business as usual.

“Come and help us drown our sorrows,” Dyck said.

by Kate Bouey

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