Mounties have arrested three locals on allegations they stole motor vehicle light bars.
They were busted after police received an early morning report that deer were being chased at high speeds by a pick-up truck.
At about 1 a.m. on Feb. 23, Innisfail RCMP responded to the complaint of a white Dodge Ram pick-up truck driving around town chasing a group of deer.
The vehicle was located by police and it was determined the occupants had stolen 24-inch LED (light-emitting diode) light bars from at least six vehicles, said RCMP.
Police said six 24-inch LED light bars valued at $800 each were recovered stolen from vehicles in Innisfail. Mounties said only one of six victims have been identified at this time.
A 19-year-old male and two male youths were arrested from the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.
Innisfail RCMP is looking for five victims of theft of 24-inch LED light bar that were stolen overnight on Feb. 22. If anyone has any information about these thefts he or she is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342.
Valentine's Day bust nabs four
Innisfail RCMP have laid drug and weapons charges against four people, including two former locals, following a traffic stop bust on Valentine's Day.
RCMP said the stop was made at about 2 a.m. on Feb. 14 when police noticed a vehicle moving erratically through town.
The vehicle was pulled over and the driver of the vehicle was found to have no license, said RCMP.
Police said a prohibited weapon was discovered in the driver side door handle. Four people were arrested and the vehicle was subsequently searched.
RCMP said members discovered one set of brass knuckles, a collapsible baton, three knives, as well as a stock of drugs, which included more than 500 grams of marijuana, over 400 grams of cannabis resin, more than 70 grams of cocaine, over 70 grams of crack cocaine, more than 22 grams of crystal meth, a container of Tylenol 3 pills and a small container of heroin.
Police said all four occupants of the vehicle, which was seized by RCMP, are now facing drug trafficking and weapons offences.
Jason Scarlett, 39, of Red Deer and Chevie Wardell, 26, also of Red Deer, are in custody. Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Don Morrish said both have previously lived “off and on” in Innisfail and are both known to the police. He said Wardell is currently facing other drug charges in Red Deer.
Dustin McLaughlin, 25, of Rimbey was released on $400 bail. A 15-year-old female of Rimbey was released to her family, said Morrish.
“I think it is an ongoing problem but not just specific to Innisfail. I think a lot of these folks are going town to town to avoid detection,” said Morrish of the repeated intrusions into town by individuals associated with the drug trade. “If you don't spend a lot of time in one town it is harder for the police to catch up with you. And also, it is to expand their clientele. The more places people are familiar with the more opportunity you have to make a go of your business.”
Home invasion arrests made
Three men have been arrested, including a Penhold suspect, in connection to a violent home invasion in Red Deer on Feb. 17.
Red Deer City RCMP said members responded at 4:30 a.m. to a complaint of a disturbance and possible assault in progress at a residence on 56 Avenue in the city.
When RCMP arrived members discovered a home invasion in progress. Police said two suspects were arrested at the scene with a handgun and masks, while a third suspect was arrested on foot walking near the residence, carrying a modified baseball bat. The victim had been bound and gagged and assaulted but did not sustain life-threatening injuries, said RCMP.
Police have now confirmed it was a targeted attack.
Michael Wade Lawrence, 39 of Penhold, Kyle Brice Connon, 27, of Red Deer and Bradley Amos Erickson, 39, also of Red Deer have all been charged with assault with a weapon, attempted robbery, forcible confinement, uttering threats, break and enter to commit assault causing bodily harm, disguised with intent to commit an offence, impersonating a peace officer and conspiring to commit an indictable offence.
All three have already made their first Red Deer court appearance.
Penhold break and enters probed
Police are investigating multiple break and enters at a residential construction site in Penhold on Feb. 14.
Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Don Morrish said walls to three residences and a small work trailer were heavily damaged. He said tools, lights and extension cords were stolen.
RCMP is seeking the support of the public to apprehend the culprits, said Morrish.
If any citizen has any information about the break and enters he or she is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
