Merritt Police Files – April 12, 2021

Vernon man still in custody after a foot pursuit with Merritt police

A Vernon man who was arrested following a short foot pursuit remains in custody.

“On March 31, 2021 at approximately 11:11 p.m., Merritt RCMP was called to a local motel where an individual inside one of its room was reportedly breaching his Release Order imposed by the courts,” said Merritt RCMP Sgt. Josh Roda.

The suspect, Colton Schatz, 37, was arrested after a short foot pursuit by local Mounties.

“On April 1, 2021, Schatz, was formally charged with allegedly breaching his Release Order and obstructing police in connection to the March 31, 2021 incident,” added Roda

“On April 7, 2021, Schatz’s bail was denied and he is currently in custody expected to appear before the Vernon Law Courts on April 22, 2021, to deal with his charges from Merritt and charges that stem from multiple incidents that occurred in Vernon,” concluded Roda.

Merritt man receives 10-months in jail

“On April 7, 2021, John Beachemin was sentenced to 10-months in jail and given a 3-year driving prohibition after being convicted of multiple counts of breach of release order, prohibited driving, possession of property obtained by crime and theft of a motor vehicle that stemmed from incidents in Merritt, Kamloops and Salmon Arm,” said Sgt. Roda.