A Swan Hills resident has been arrested following a proactive auto theft operation.
On Jan. 25, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team parked a GPS-tracked vehicle in a mixed commercial and residential area in Red Deer. It was reportedly stolen the next day, and police say they tracked it to the community of Mirror.
A search warrant was executed at a residence there, which allegedly led to the seizure of two stolen vehicles (including the bait vehicle), stolen license plates and a firearm.
As a result, a 47-year-old male from Swan Hills faces the following charges:
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Fraudulent concealment
- Possession of break-in instrument
- Operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited
- Obstruction of a peace officer
- Drive an uninsured motor vehicle on highway
- Possession of tobacco products not marked for tax-paid sale
At the time of his arrest, RCMP say he was also wanted by Drayton Valley RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service and arrested on those outstanding warrants.
Mounties say he was released from custody after a Judicial Interim Release hearing and was scheduled to appear in court in Red Deer on Jan. 30, but he failed to appear and a warrant has been issued.
If you have any information regarding crime within Red Deer, please contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app.
