OnStar disables stolen vehicle, police conduct 'high risk' stop

Two occupants of a stolen vehicle were arrested in east Rocky View County last week after being tracked by police officers in Calgary and Strathmore. 

According to Strathmore RCMP, the incident occurred on Oct. 3 at approximately 9 a.m., when Calgary Police notified the detachment they were tracking a stolen GMC Yukon using OnStar as it left the city, heading east on Highway 1. 

The RCMP's press release stated Strathmore members located the vehicle and monitored its position until it could be disabled by OnStar in a safe location. The vehicle was disabled and came to a stop on Highway 564 in the area of Range Road 254.

"A high risk vehicle stop was conducted and both the driver and passenger were safely taken into custody," the release added. "A search of the vehicle resulted in recovery of several pieces of identification, bank cards, business membership cards, and a tablet.

"There was also interior damage and wires ripped apart in the centre console indicative of attempts to defeat the vehicle’s shut-down command."

Both occupants were transported to Strathmore RCMP detachment and held for a bail hearing. In preparation for the hearing, the release stated it was suspected one of the passengers had provided a false identity.

"Fingerprints were obtained, which revealed the passenger’s true identity and a number of outstanding matters," the release stated.

According to RCMP, the passenger was bound by a release order in relation to another investigation, a probation order stemming from convictions on eight charges; and six warrants between Calgary, Cochrane and Red Deer on a total of 50 outstanding charges.

A bail hearing was held with the following outcome: The driver Jeremy Bluebell, a 29-year-old resident of Yellow Quill First Nation in Saskatchewan, was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (PSP) Over $5,000, PSP Under $5,000, nine counts of Unlawful Possession of an Identity Card/License/Document  and Mischief Over $5,000. He was released on conditions with high cash bail without deposit to appear at a later date.

The passenger, William Rider, a 20-year-old resident of Calgary, was charged with the same offences as Bluebell with additional charges of Failure to Comply with a Condition of a Probation Order, three counts of Failure to Comply with a Condition of a Release Order, and Obstructing a Peace Officer. Rider was remanded and remains in custody.

“Apprehension of offenders involved in auto theft is a high risk matter with a high potential of harm to the public," said Strathmore RCMP Detachment Commander Staff Sgt.Mark Wielgosz in the release. "Police take great care in the recovery of vehicles and arrest of offenders. Vehicles equipped with remote assistance and disabling capabilities of great value to bring these types of situations to a safe conclusion.

Wielgosz added this investigation is "another example of the coordination between law enforcement agencies to solve crime and keep Albertans safe."