News release
Kelowna RCMP identifies suspect and makes arrest in alleged series of break-ins
April 28, 2026
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Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP
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Following reports of several break and enters to local businesses, frontline officers with support from the Kelowna RCMP Proactive Enforcement Unit (PEU), undertook a series of coordinated investigations leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect.
On April 15, 2026, Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a break-in at an automotive shop in the 1700-block of Harvey Avenue in Kelowna. Property was allegedly stolen from a vehicle that was in the shop for servicing. Later that afternoon, officers arrested the suspect, Gary Gadawski, of Salmon Arm, B.C., who appeared in court and was released the following day with conditions.
On April 18 and April 19, 2026, Kelowna RCMP responded to two separate break-ins at a retail business in the 400-block of Bernard Avenue. On April 20, 2026, Kelowna RCMP responded to reports of overnight break-ins at two service businesses in the 500-block of Bernard Avenue. Staff at one of the businesses reported that an individual had gained entry and allegedly stole several items, including a laptop computer. Based on a review of the evidence, police believed that Gadawski was responsible for these alleged offences, as well. Later that day, officers located and arrested Gadawski.
As a result of these incidents, the following charges have been approved against Gadawski:
- Four counts of break and enter and commit theft
- One count of failure to comply with a release order
Gadawski remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on April 29, 2026.
“Property crime, particularly break-ins targeting local businesses, remains a priority for the Kelowna RCMP,” said Corporal Steven Lang, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. “Through quality investigative work and coordination between our proactive enforcement unit and frontline officers, police were able to identify and arrest an individual who is allegedly responsible for targeting members of the business community.”
Business owners looking for crime prevention resources are encouraged to review the City of Kelowna’s Business Safety Toolkit.