Skip to content

Merritt RCMP arrest wanted fugitive sought in Rimbey

RCMP have arrested a man wanted in Rimbey and Ponoka before he could become criminally active in Merritt, B.C.

RCMP have arrested a man wanted in Rimbey and Ponoka before he could become criminally active in Merritt, B.C.

Mounties arrested Nathan Weir on July 6, several months after his arrival in Merritt, with information obtained through the B.C. Fugitive Return Program.

“He has not been charged with any criminal offences in Merritt but we had some dealings with him,” RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore.

While the RCMP doesn’t usually arrest people with warrants from other provinces, Dunsmore said Merritt RCMP contacted Alberta RCMP because Weir had so many warrants for arrest and they decided it was worth their while to bring him back to Alberta.

“They made all the arrangements and we knew where he was living in town so we were able to arrest him,” said Dunsmore. “There were no incidents (related to the arrest).”

The 33-year-old was wanted in Red Deer, Rimbey, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Ponoka and Sundre.

Offences included two counts of fraud over $5,000, three counts of fraud under $5,000, and several counts of failing to appear or attend court.

Weir was also wanted for two counts of forgery, two counts of forging a document as well as impaired driving and possession of property obtained by crime.

His criminal history dates back to 1999.

“Due to the excellent pro-active policing and cooperation between the B.C. Fugitive Return Program and the Merritt RCMP and Vancouver Police Department, Mr. Weir was returned to face prosecution on his outstanding charges,” said an RCMP press release.

Weir was escorted back to Red Deer by the Alberta Sheriffs and the Alberta Attorney General funded his return, which was co-ordinated by the Fugitive Return Program.

The Fugitive Return Program is managed by the RCMP and funded by the Civil Forfeiture Office within the B.C. government. Created to hold individuals living in B.C. with out of province arrest warrants accountable, the program has helped the return 19 people since September 2011.