A Lac St. Anne County resident has been arrested and faces 18 charges.
On Nov. 19, Drayton Valley RCMP were conducting rural crime prevention patrols in Tomahawk when they attempted to stop a suspicious male on an ATV, carrying a bag. The suspect then allegedly fled from police when a stop was attempted.
Using helicopter surveillance, members of a tracking operation say they observed the suspect cross fields and rural properties, attempt to enter a residence, and then continue into Drayton Valley. At that point, he reportedly abandoned the ATV and fled on foot toward occupied residences on 43 Street.
Police were able to arrest the man and allegedly recovered a loaded firearm at the scene. No members of the public nor the suspect were injured, but an RCMP officer did sustain a minor injury during the arrest.
As a result of the investigation, a 19-year-old resident of Lac Ste. Anne County faces 18 charges, including:
- Flight from police
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Possession of stolen property
- Possession of break-and-enter tools
- Possession of a prohibited firearm
- Breaches of various court orders
The individual also faces charges with regard to an unrelated incident on Nov. 4 involving flight from police and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle in Drayton Valley.
He was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody, and is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Drayton Valley on Dec. 2.
“This is a great example of the tenacity of the officers who live and work in our community,” said Sgt. Dan Ferri, Drayton Valley RCMP. “It is also an example of how quickly the RCMP’s support units can be utilized to respond to an unfolding event. This suspect would not have been arrested if it weren’t for the proactive work of our team and the support from our Real Time Operations Centre and Air Services. I’d like to thank the surrounding detachments and Police Dog Services for responding to assist us, as well as the motorists and property owners in the area who stayed alert and listened to the direction of officers as we worked to ensure the safety of the public during this event.”
Helicopter footage from the incident is available online.
