A woman police described as mentally ill and possibly armed and dangerous is now in custody thanks to a few alert Brackendale Bistro patrons.
The patrons recognized her from a newspaper article as they sat near the wanted woman around 9:30 this morning (April 17).
"She was in the restaurant as well as these two citizens," said RCMP Cpl. Dave Ritchie.
The patrons called 911 a short time later. Members of the Sea to Sky Regional Police Services and a police service dog attended, and Pekovich was arrested without incident.
"I don't think she was behaving strangely [at the restaurant], and she wasn't at the time of the arrest," said Ritchie.
The woman made headlines after a Thursday (April 16) news release issued by Vancouver Police warned that 43-year-old Denise Pekovich was on the loose and wanted for uttering threats, criminal harassment and breach of an undertaking.
Pekovich has a history of mental illness, according to police, and may have had access to firearms and have been a danger to herself or others. Police said she may have been living in her truck in the Lower Mainland or as far as Squamish.
Two Lower Mainland newspapers ran the police news release this morning (April 17) along with a photo of Pekovich, which described her as white, 5'5" tall, athletic with curly brown hair, blue eyes and wearing glasses.
"Anyone who sees Pekovich or the vehicle is asked not to approach her and to call 911 immediately," stated the release.
RCMP are currently unaware of personal acquaintances she may have in the area.Pekovich is to be transported to Vancouver for a court appearance on the outstanding warrants.
