On Jan. 30, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a Peterbilt semi-truck was stolen from Edmonton. When it was discovered stolen at roughly 8 a.m., it was immediately reported to Edmonton Police Service, and the truck was subsequently tracked with an installed GPS device by the company. Members of the Vegreville RCMP were dispatched to the area, where they located the semi-truck and attempted to stop it, but it fled from police. No pursuit was initiated.
With the help of the RCMP helicopter, RCMP were able to observe the semi as it drove through the towns of Lamont, Alta., Chipman, Alta., and Bruderheim Alta., before officers were able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device, and after traveling a short distance, the semi stopped. The driver of the semi exited the truck and immediately attempted to carjack another vehicle before being subdued by responding officers. Two other occupants attempted to flee on foot but were also apprehended.
A search of the semi incidental to the arrest as well as a bag tossed by the occupants revealed:
- Government ID cards and cheques belonging to at least 6 individuals;
- tools commonly used for property crime;
- Approximately 13 grams of Crystal Meth.
The driver, a 46-years-old male resident of Edmonton, was taken to hospital where he received medical treatment, he is facing the following charges:
· Possession of Property obtained by Crime over $5000;
· Possession of Break & Enter instruments;
· Possession of Identity Documents (x6);
· Fail to Comply with Release Order;
· Criminal Flight;
· Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
· Possession a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose;
· Theft of Motor Vehicle;
· Mischief over $5000; and
· Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine).
The 46-year-old individual was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded with their next court date set for Feb. 10, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.
A 49-years-old individual, a resident of Sturgeon County, Alta., is facing the following charges:
· Possession of Property obtained by Crime over $5000;
· Possession of Break & Enter instruments; and
· Six counts of Possession of Identity Documents.
The 49-year-old individual was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded in custody with their next court date set for Feb. 10, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.
A 37-years-old individual, a resident of Sturgeon County, is facing the following charges:
· Possession of Property obtained by Crime over $5000;
· Possession of Break & Enter instruments; and
· Six counts of Possession of Identity Documents.
The 37-year-old individual was released on a $2,000.00 Promise to Pay Release Order with a next appearance date set for Feb. 24, 2025, to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.
"Offenders such as these commit crime almost continuously until they are caught.," says Cpl. Troy Savinkoff," arrests like this is protects the public from being their next victim."
The RCMP continue to investigate and anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Vegreville RCMP at (780) 631-2750. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911.