In March 2023, RCMP's Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit started a property crime investigation in the Wetaskiwin area. On April 9, 2023, RCMP received reports of two break and enters and theft of ATM's, one in Red Deer, and one in Alix, Alta. Extensive damage was done at both locations. As a result of the investigation by the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit, a suspect was identified.
On April 20, 2023, Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit with the assistance of Police Dogs Services, RCMP Air Services, the RCMP Emergency Response Team and members of Stettler and Bashaw Detachments, located and arrested the suspect in the City of Wetaskiwin for both of these Break and Enters and thefts.
At the time of the arrest, the suspect was in possession of a stolen truck. A search of the truck resulted in the seizure of:
- Over 300 grams of suspected fentanyl
- a small amount of methamphetamine
- a stole license plate,
- stolen identification documents
- prohibited firearm with a prohibited magazine
RCMP have charged a 26-year-old individual, a resident of Wetaskiwin, with the following:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of a scheduled substance
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
- Possess firearm contrary to order (x5)
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a prohibited firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
- Break and Enter with Intent (x2)
- Theft over $5000 (x2)
- Mischief over $5000 (x2)
The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody with a next court appearance set for April 28, 2023, at the Red Deer Court of Justice.
"This investigation demonstrates the close correlation between property crime, drugs, and weapons." says Staff Sergeants Dean Grunow Wetaskiwin RCMP." This individual is an active repeat offender in our community. Focusing our policing efforts on offenders such as this has the most effect on reducing crime in the communities we serve."