On Aug. 12, 2023, a member of the Sheriff Highway Patrol was conducting traffic enforcement activities when he noticed a male in a car parked behind him. The male was recording the sheriff's actions and gave the sheriff the middle finger.
Later that day, during a traffic stop, the same male drove up to the location where the sheriff was and began recording again. The male parked very close to the patrol car, which caused immediate concern for the sheriff.
A short time later, while the sheriff was conducting another traffic stop, the same male came up behind the sheriff's car in his wheelchair and stopped in the middle of the merge lane. The male was still recording, was speaking loudly and appeared very agitated. As the sheriff proceeded with the traffic stop, the male approached in his wheel chair and spoke to the driver who was pulled over. Sheriff called for backup as the situation appeared to be escalating.
As a result of these actions, on Oct. 24, 2023, a 40-year-old individual, a resident of Chestermere, was arrested. He has been charged with the following:
- Obstructing a Peace Officer
- Intimidation by following
- Intimidation by blocking a Highway
- Watching and Besetting
After a judicial interim release hearing, the individual was released from custody and will be appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Chestermere on Nov. 7, 2023.