PENHOLD - Innisfail RCMP, with assistance from Red Deer RCMP, Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team, and RCMP Police Dog Services, nabbed four fleeing criminal suspects near Penhold on Jan. 4.
Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler said local Mounties received a report from a concerned citizen about a white Ford F350 dually truck which appeared to be stuck in a ditch west of Penhold.
She said four people were observed fleeing the area on foot. Innisfail RCMP responded and confirmed the truck was stolen from the Sylvan Lake area and that it was involved in multiple incidents throughout Central Alberta.
Eiler said the four suspects were located and arrested without incident, and with the support of police officers from other detachments.
Peter Walker, 34, of Innisfail, along with Harvey Lee-Bernick, 35, of Rimbey and Jason Cunningham, 30, of Stettler, have all been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, trespassing, possessing break-in tools and failing to comply with court orders. Cunningham faces additional charges of break and enter with intent and mischief under $5,000.
All three are in custody, and will make first court appearances this month in Red Deer provincial court.
A fourth suspect has been arrested but because his criminal charges are pending and not yet sworn in court his identity has not yet been released.
Eiler said a search of the stolen vehicle was conducted and additional property was located. She said RCMP have been able to return that property to the lawful owners.
If any citizen has additional relevant information about this bust he or she is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3341 or their local police service. If citizens wish to remain anonymous, they can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or go onlne at www.P3Tips.com
Meanwhile, Innisfail RCMP will be in attendance at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion at 7 p.m. on Jan. 28 for a presentation from Red Deer Crown prosecutor Dominique Mathurin. The presentation is being sponsored by the Innisfail East and Raven rural crime watch associations. The event is open to the public, and citizens are invited to ask questions and learn about the criminal justice system
