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Suspect steals pricey artwork from gallery

Police Briefs: Missing Squamish man found
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THE SEARCH IS ON Whistler RCMP is looking to identify a male suspect, pictured in surveillance footage, linked to the theft of several pieces of art from the Black Tusk Gallery in the village this week. Image courtesy of the Whistler RCMP

The Whistler RCMP is asking the public for help after a man allegedly stole several pieces of art from a village gallery this week.

Just before 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, police received a report of a break-and-enter in progress at the Black Tusk Gallery in Mountain Square. After hearing a loud noise, a witness nearby reportedly went to investigate and saw a male fleeing the scene in an unknown direction.

Police said the suspect smashed through a glass pane to enter the gallery before stealing several artworks of considerable value.

"We are still trying to account for all of the pieces, so we're not entirely sure how much has been stolen at this point," explained Whistler RCMP Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes. "But we do know some of those pieces were quite expensive."

Now Mounties are hoping the community can help track down the suspect. He is described as being of average build, 5-9 tall, last seen wearing a black hoodie with white rectangular colouring on the back of the hood, a white belt, grey pants and what appears to be white runners. Hayes said investigators were unable to identify the man's ethnicity based on surveillance footage.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Const. Clark with the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044. Reports can also be made anonymously by calling Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Matthew Ohman, missing since Sept. 15, reunited with family

A Squamish man has been located more than a week after he was first reported missing.

Thirty-year-old Matthew Ohman had last been seen by a family member on Sept. 15 entering a wooded area near the Axen Reserve in Squamish.

Just before noon on Saturday, Sept. 23, police said the Squamish Nation member had turned up safe and sound.

"Matthews has been reunited with his family," read a police statement. "The Squamish RCMP would like to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers and emergency personnel who participated in the searches, which led to this great outcome."

The Squamish RCMP has been working closely with Ohman's family, the Squamish Nation and Squamish Search and Rescue since the missing report was filed, according to police.

In an interview with Pique's sister paper, the Squamish Chief, Ohman's common-law partner, Jacelynne Joseph, said it was unusual for the father of two not to be in contact.

"He has got a family that loves him," she said at the time.