In response to community concerns about property crime, members of the Western Alberta District (WAD) Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) recently conducted a proactive enforcement initiative in the town of Grimshaw, which resulted in multiple charges against several individuals.
On March 12, 2024, CRU members attempted a traffic stop with a suspicious vehicle, which fled from police. The vehicle was located a short time later, and the driver, who was wearing body armour and had a loaded firearm in the vehicle, was taken into custody. A 38-year-old individual, a resident of Peace River, Alta., faces a total of 19 charges including Flight from police, Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, multiple counts of failing to comply with court orders, and multiple firearms-related offenses.
Approximately one hour later, CRU members located a stolen vehicle driving on 52 Ave. It was covertly followed to a local gas station where a male occupant was arrested. A 26-year-old individual, a resident of Peace River, faces multiple charges including two counts of Possession of property obtained by crime, Fraudulent concealment, Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and Possession of a controlled substance. The vehicle had been stolen from Peace River in February 2024.
On March 13, 2024, CRU members conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle where a male occupant, later identified as a 30-year-old individual, a resident of Grimshaw, Alta., was taken into custody on multiple arrest warrants.
Later the same day, members attempted a traffic stop with a suspicious vehicle on Highway 2 in Grimshaw. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and was later observed by surveillance units who followed it and took the driver into custody. A 31-year-old individual, a resident of the MD of Peace, Alta., faces charges for Flight from police, Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and Operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The individual was released on conditions to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on May 6, 2024.
On March 14, 2024, CRU members located a stolen vehicle in Grimshaw. A 43-year-old individual, a resident of Grimshaw, was charged with two counts of Possession of property obtained by crime, Fraudulent concealment, and Operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The vehicle had been stolen from Grande Prairie, Alta., in December 2023.
All individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 38-year-old, 26-year-old and 43-year-old individuals were remanded into custody while the 30-year-old individual was released. They are all to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on March 25, 2024.
"District Crime Reduction Units continue to utilize specialized investigational techniques to provide support to Detachments throughout the district in response to community concerns," says Sgt. Chris Power of WAD CRU. "If you are a prolific offender in the Western Alberta District, you are likely on our radar, and it's just a matter of time before you become our next target," says Power.