RCMP took an alleged prolific car thief off the streets on Saturday night after he was linked to a stolen vehicle in Kamloops.

Michael Wereta, 26, and a 19-year-old woman from Campbell River were arrested on allegations they stole a 2000 Dodge pickup from Falcon Road in Valleyview just before 7 p.m.

According to Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Dave Prentice, the call came in at around 7:30 p.m.

Fifteen minutes later, an officer spotted the vehicle — which was carrying a distinctive snowmobile deck — with doors open and lights on at Westoby Road near the Valleyview substation.

When two officers approached the truck, a white dog leapt from the cab and bolted into the bush. Police cordoned off the perimeter and called in their own dog. They then roamed the area and came upon the couple along with the dog.

The police dog also appeared to link tracks leading from the truck to those of the suspects.

Wereta is already facing charges in Manitoba and was released with multiple conditions, according to Prentice.

This morning, he is expected to face charges of theft of a vehicle, possession of stolen property and three charges of breach of recognizance.

The female suspect has a minor criminal record and was released on a promise to appear in court on March 25 to face charges of possession of stolen property.