INNISFAIL – RCMP in Strathmore have seized an erratically-driven vehicle that was stolen in Innisfail and have arrested a man following a subsequent search that yielded several stolen items.
Strathmore RCMP Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz said in Dec. 14 media release that at about 3 p.m. on Dec. 7, local RCMP received a complaint of an erratic driver swerving in its lane.
Wielgosz and said the vehicle at times nearly side swiped other vehicles.
He said the suspect vehicle was reported travelling eastbound on Highway 1 towards Strathmore and was encountered by responding RCMP members at the intersection of Highway 1 and Westmount Road.
Wielgosz said the vehicle appeared stalled and the driver was observed exiting in an attempt to leave the area.
He said the driver was then taken into custody.
“I’d like to thank the motorist who reported the erratic driving of this vehicle. It led to the recovery of stolen property and in no small measure helped to keep our roads safe,” said Wielgosz in the media release.
Wielgosz said the vehicle, which was left stalled in the intersection, was stolen earlier in the day from Innisfail.
He said it contained stolen items, including a purse and other bags.
Wielgosz said the driver was bound by three separate driving prohibitions and was “exhibiting indications” of being impaired by drugs.
He said the driver was returned to the Strathmore detachment for sobriety testing but the suspect refused to complete the examination.
During a search of the vehicle and driver’s belongings, several pieces of identification and credit cards were found that did not belong to him, said Wielgosz.
He said several unauthorized purchases were confirmed by the owners of the identification and credit cards.
Matthew Burton, 34, of no fixed address, was held for a bail hearing and charged with:
• possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000;
• possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000;
• three counts of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited;
• eight counts of unlawful possession of government documents;
• unlawful use of a credit card;
• failure to comply with a demand (impairment by drug); and
• other Traffic Safety Act offences.
Wielgosz said Burton was released on conditions to appear at a later date. The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be laid.
