Knife intruder
Just before 6 a.m. a middle-aged man broke into Black Magic Auto Works in Penhold, brandishing a large knife. The complainant told police the man threatened a stabbing before taking off. RCMP tracked the suspect's Chevy GMT400 to the QEII Highway and 19 Street in Red Deer, where he was arrested.
Billyjack James Williams, 40, from Red Deer was charged with assault with a weapon, break and enter with intent, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, uttering threats, two counts of failing to comply with conditions of undertaking and one count of failure to comply with a probation order.
His first appearance was held April 2 and he reserved his plea until April 5.
Gas and dash
At 7 a.m. on March 29 a grey two-door Honda Civic carrying a male and a female passenger inside sped off from the Bowden FasGas without paying for fuel. An incorrect licence plate was provided and police were unable to track the suspects.
Vehicle vandalism
A grey 2007 Honda Civic was discovered with damage to the driver- and passenger-side doors in Innisfail. The incident was reported at 11:45 a.m. on March 2. Police don't know how or why the damage occurred.
Traffic blitz
Between Feb. 18 and March 31 Innisfail detachment RCMP ran a blitz, adding 19 enhanced traffic enforcement eight-hour shifts covering Innisfail, Penhold and rural highways. In total officers wrote 195 tickets, mostly for seatbelt violations, distracted driving and speeding infractions. One ticket was issued for driving with no insurance and two driving-while-suspended tickets were issued.
Check stops
In the month of March police held 22 check stops along detachment roads. One impaired driving charge and one criminal code driving while suspended charges were issued. Police issued three 24-hour suspensions, five provincial traffic charges and four written warnings.
Staffing levels
The Innisfail RCMP detachment is still understaffed due to police transfers, medical and maternity leaves. Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk says he expects the department to be fully staffed by July.
