On Aug. 20, 2019 RCMP members from St. Paul, Smoky Lake, Lac La Biche, Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit (EADRCRU) and Cold Lake Police Dog Services (PDS) worked together to stop a stolen vehicle involved in crimes throughout several RCMP detachment areas.
That morning, a report was received of a dangerous driver operating a stolen SUV near McRae heading south on Highway 866. The vehicle was known to police to be connected to break and enters and other property crime offences in the area. The EADRCRU intercepted the stolen vehicle in St. Paul County and engaged in a pursuit, which led to Garner Lake. The pursuit was called off near the lake for public safety reasons. Multiple surrounding RCMP detachments assisted with containing the area.
The stolen SUV was located shortly thereafter abandoned, and the two occupants who had fled on foot were quickly apprehended by a coordinated effort involving PDS.
"Coordination between multiple detachments was key in bringing this crime spree to an end," says Constable Guillaume Wilson." "We were able to stop these two offenders from committing further offences."
A 23-year-old male of Beaver Lake was charged with multiple offences, which included:
- Flight from police
- Operating a motor vehicle while prohibited (X3)
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Failing to comply with a probation order (X2)
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (X2)
He was also arrested for outstanding warrants, which included the following offences:
- Flight from police
- Operating a motor vehicle while prohibited
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Failing to comply with a probation order
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
He was remanded into custody after a judicial hearing.
A 29-year-old female of St Paul was charged with the following:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
She was also arrested for an outstanding probation warrant for the offence of failing to comply with a Recognizance. She was released after a judicial hearing.
Both accused are scheduled to appear in St. Paul provincial court on Aug. 22, 2019.