Human remains found at rural Salmon Arm property as multiple searches continue

Human remains have been found at a rural property in the interior of B.C., as two searches in relation to the same criminal investigation continue. 

Mounties began executing a search warrant in the 2200 block of Salmon River Road, between Salmon Arm and Vernon, on Thursday. A statement said the remains were found on Saturday.​

The RCMP's Southeast District Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation into the discovery, which is being treated as suspicious.

The B.C. Coroners Service was also on scene.

On Sunday, RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said he couldn't confirm why officers had a search warrant for the property, except to say that it was in relation to a criminal investigation.

2nd related search

Moskaluk said a second search near Springbend Road and Highway 97B has been ongoing since earlier this week. The search area is 15 kilometres northeast of the Salmon River Road property.

The officer would not say what Mounties are looking for, but said officers are canvassing rivers, roadsides and undeveloped areas.

Searches are expected to continue into the week and Moskaluk said there will be a heavy police presence at the home where the remains were found.

Previous incident in area prompted warning

The property at which the remains were found is on the same road that was the subject of a recent police warning. 

That notice stemmed from an incident on Aug. 28, when police were called to same block of Salmon River Road after a man allegedly threatened a woman with a gun.

The pair had agreed to meet over an online website used by sex-trade workers and escorts, but RCMP said the man pulled out a gun when she arrived. The woman was able to get away safely and an investigation was launched.

RCMP released a statement about the August incident on Oct. 13, warning of "the possible risk to the general public and women sex workers."

The statement encouraged the public — especially escorts and sex workers — to take "any measures they deem necessary to safeguard" themselves.

Moskaluk said Curtis Wayne Sagmoen has since been arrested and charged with firearms offences in relation to the incident. He also faces charges for possession of methamphetamine.

The officer said Sagmoen was a North Okanagan resident "of that same area," but would not confirm if he was the owner of the property where the remains were found.