PENHOLD – Local Mounties recently busted suspicious vehicle travellers in town and seized weapons, illegal drugs and counterfeit money.
RCMP are viewing the bust as another success in their ongoing battle against property crime that has been epidemic across the province for the past two years.
“Property crimes are a priority for the Alberta RCMP in its crime reduction strategies,” said Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler in a media release. “There is an ongoing focus on targeting, and putting a stop to the activities of repeat property crime offenders. Public assistance in reporting suspicious activity is an important piece of this strategy.”
Innisfail RCMP were patrolling the streets of Penhold at about 2:30 a.m. on March 9 when they spotted the vehicle with two occupants and then pulled it over.
Eiler said the male passenger in the vehicle was identified as Dustin Mitchell, who was found to be wanted on 10 outstanding warrants as well as being bound by a probation order and recognizance. He was arrested without incident.
The female driver of the vehicle was identified as Tasha King, who was also found to be on curfew conditions. She was also arrested without incident.
Eiler said a search was conducted and police discovered illegal drugs, a loaded .22-calibre Ruger 10/22 rifle with a magazine and counterfeit U.S. currency.
Mitchell, 22, of Calgary, has been charged with obstruction, failing to comply with a probation order and three counts of failing to comply with a recognizance.
He was remanded into custody and his next court date is scheduled for March 23 at Red Deer provincial court.
King, 20, of Red Deer, has been charged with knowingly possessing a firearm while unauthorized, possession of firearm without holding a licence, occupant of a motor vehicle with a firearm, possession of a restricted weapon, six counts of failing to comply with a recognizance, possession of counterfeit money and possession of a controlled substance.
She was remanded into custody and appeared in Red Deer provincial court on March 16.
RCMP are requesting any citizen who has information about this or any other crime, to call the local RCMP at 403-227-3342. Citizens can also contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com
Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler
"There is an ongoing focus on targeting, and putting a stop to the activities of repeat property crime offenders. Public assistance in reporting suspicious activity is an important piece of this strategy."
