The Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit's (CADCRU) mandate is to assist RCMP detachments throughout Central Alberta by targeting repeat offenders in order to interrupt criminal activity and reduce crime.
In July 2021, CADCRU became aware of a male living in Parkland County who had several outstanding warrants for his arrest from multiple jurisdictions. The male had a history of violence, possession of weapons, and erratic behaviour that included attempts to evade police.
CADCRU initiated an investigation to locate the male and take him into custody. On July 28, 2021, CADCRU determined the male's location in a residence in Parkland County. Due to a number of safety factors including the male's history, the RCMP Emergency Response Team was utilized. Police obtained judicial authorisation to enter the residence, and safely took the male into custody.
In addition to his outstanding charges, the 45-year-old male Spruce Grove, Alta. has been charged with:
- Obstruct a peace officer
- Flight from police
- Fail to comply with a release order condition
After a judicial interim release hearing, he was released to appear in Edmonton Provincial Court on Aug. 23, 2021.
On July 23, 2021, Drayton Valley RCMP responded to a report of theft of gasoline. The suspects were described as two males and one female in a U-Haul truck. Drayton Valley General Investigation Section (GIS) officers got sight of the U-Haul and were able to determine that it had been reported stolen. Drayton Valley GIS and CADCRU officers with assistance from Edmonton Police Service's (EPS) helicopter AIR1 and EPS Targeted Response to Auto Theft Prevention team were able to keep the U-Haul in view as it entered Calmar, Alta. Tire deflation devices were successfully deployed to bring the U-Haul to a stop, and the three suspects were safely taken into custody.
A 27-year-old male of Edmonton, a 35-year-old male and a 37-year-old female both from Leduc, Alta., were jointly charged with:
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (x2)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over (x2)
- Theft
- Possession of break-in tools
The 27-year-old male was additionally charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)
- Flight from police
- Fail to comply with a release order (x2)
- Obstruct a police officer.
The 35-year-old male was additionally charged with:
- Fail to comply with release condition
- Possession of a weapon while prohibited
After judicial interim release hearings, he was released to appear in Drayton Valley Provincial Court on Aug. 17, 2021. The 27-year-old male and the 35-year-old male remain in custody. They will next appear in Drayton Valley Provincial Court on Aug. 17, 2021.
On Aug. 4, 2021, CADCRU entered into an investigation of a residence in the Rimbey area that was believed to be associated to property crime. CADCRU officers observed a vehicle leaving the residence and operating in a dangerous manner. The vehicle entered an isolated area, became stuck, and the two occupants fled on foot. Uniformed police officers from Rimbey, Breton and Thorsby quickly set up containment. With the use of Police Dog Service teams, the two suspects were located.
A 31-year-old female of Drayton Valley, Alta. was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
She was released to appear in Rimbey Provincial Court on Sept. 1, 2021.
A 33-year-old male of Wetaskiwin County, Alta. was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Operate a conveyance in a manner dangerous to the public
- Fraudulent concealment
- Fail to attend Court
After a judicial interim release hearing, he was released to appear in Rimbey Provincial Court on Sept. 1, 2021.
"Combating rural crime is a top priority for Alberta RCMP." said Inspector Grant Smith, Operations Officer for the Central Alberta District. "Apprehension is one of the pillars of the Crime Reduction Strategy. Crime Reduction Units support frontline police officers by targeting those individuals who create the greatest harm in our communities. Support units such as the General Investigation Section, Police Dog Services, and Air Services can also supplement our investigative techniques and increase our success. These files are just a few examples of the efforts being made by RCMP in Alberta to keep Albertans safe."