Editor's note: This article has been updated throughout
INNISFAIL - An Innisfail man is facing 19 Criminal Code charges following a three-hour standoff with police in the southern end of town on Nov. 13.
Two other Innisfailians, a man and female youth, were also initially arrested, but have since been released.
The drama along 52nd Avenue, between 42nd and 40th streets, began at around noon hour on Nov. 13 with police blocking off several road entrances and exits.
RCMP said pedestrian and vehicle traffic was delayed for a short period of time to ensure public safety while the police operation was underway.
Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler said the detachment’s General Investigation Section (GIS) was doing targeted patrols when it observed a van that had been confirmed stolen from the University of Calgary that morning.
The police investigation continued and later in the day, after the three-hour standoff, an arrest was made by the Calgary RCMP Emergency Response Team, said Eiler.
She said the probe resulted in the recovery of the stolen van and the seizure of methamphetamine, a prohibited firearm, ammunition, break-in tools, brass knuckles and other weapons.
Eiler said Innisfail GIS was supported by the Innisfail detachment along with support units, including the Innisfail Integrated Traffic Unit, the Emergency Response Team, Red Deer Police Dog Service, Auto Theft Unit, Red Deer Crime Reduction Team, Forensic Identification Section, and General Investigation Section members from Blackfalds and Sylvan Lake detachments.
“As always we are working hard to combat crime. The resources used in this instance were put in place for public safety,” said Eiler. “With the result of this operation we are pleased with the positive impact of reducing crime in this community.
“As always we welcome further assistance from the community to provide us with information that will assist us in future investigations,” she added.
In the meantime, Tyler James Ratledge, 33, of Innisfail, has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a prohibited firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, two counts of failing to comply with recognizance, possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace, possession of break-in tools, driving with no insurance and registration and driving while disqualified.
Ratledge has been remanded and is scheduled to appear in Red Deer provincial court on Nov. 18 for a bail hearing.
Eiler said Innisfail GIS will continue to work on crime reduction efforts in the Innisfail Detachment area with support of local and regional units throughout the winter in efforts to reduce drug and property crime. She said citizens can relay any related information to Innisfail GIS at 403-227-8514.
