In the last two weeks, the Rimbey RCMP was busy responding to nearly 100 calls for service. Highlights included several theft, assault, criminal harassment, uttering death threats, impaired driving, illegal drugs and other serious criminal matters.
RCMP recover stolen truck
Mounties searching high and low for a white Dodge dually stolen two weeks ago near Rimbey recovered it on an oil lease site north of Iola Road.
The RCMP forensic identification section sent officers out to assist with the investigation. The investigation is continuing into this matter as all leads are being pursued.
Drunk ATV driver charged
During the May long weekend, police were out enforcing rules and regulations in the Medicine Lake area while patrolling on ATVs. Tickets were issued for offences such as having no insurance or registration on off highway vehicles. In several incidents, motorists were found to have been consuming alcohol. Several drunk drivers were arrested and charged.
In one case, an impaired driver, Kieran Johnson, 25, a resident of Leduc, was driving his ATV in a dangerous manner and ran over a pedestrian causing life-threatening injuries. STARS attended the scene and transported the male victim to an Edmonton hospital for treatment. The accused in this case, was already suspended from driving due to previous impaired driving convictions.
Honesty is the best policy…
Police conducted a Check Stop on Highway 53 at the junction of Secondary Highway 766 on May 17. Numerous tickets were issued for various offences such as open liquor, no insurance, no driver’s license and other provincial infractions.
In one case, the inquiring officer asked the standard question, “Sir, have you had anything to drink tonight?” The man behind the wheel of his pickup truck replied, “Had no, having yes!” The man then handed over the open bottle of beer he had hidden in the console. A local tow company was kept hopping with five vehicles seized during the Check Stop.
Buckle up
In town, officers stood out in plain view at the four-way stop during the middle of the afternoon. One vehicle completely ran through the intersection without slowing down at all. Countless people were charged for not wearing their seat belts. One motorist was charged after being found to have been consuming illegal drugs while driving.
Out of town criminals on a spree
Police have been diligently pursuing leads on recent theft complaints in Rimbey. It is believed the suspects are from other jurisdictions and strictly came to Rimbey to commit their crimes. Police are working with other detachments and police agencies, using all possible resources to capture these criminals and to send a message they are not welcome in our community.
UTV stolen from rural area
Officers are working hard to solve a break and enter complaint on Iola Road on May 11. Thieves stole a green, 2011 Kawasaki KRF 750R side-by-side UTV. The bandits also made off with a generator.
Man charged after standoff
Police attended a residence in Rimbey where a man was barricaded in his residence and refusing to co-operate. Officers eventually convinced the man to give up and he was arrested without incident. The accused has been charged with possession of illegal drugs and other criminal offences.
Follow the rules on the water
Police patrolled Gull Lake and found compliance to be much better this year than last. Numerous boats were checked for proper gear on board, such as an adequate bailing bucket, a whistle, paddles, life jackets and proper licensing for being a boat operator and for anyone fishing. Please ensure you have all your safety gear on board before you head out on the water. Never consume alcohol in a boat at any time, unless you are fortunate enough to own a houseboat and it is your residence.
If you have any information regarding this or any other crimes, call the Rimbey RCMP at (403) 843-2224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, #8477 on Telus Mobility or *8477 on Rogers AT&T.
Crime Stoppers is a community program that does work. Do your part and call now.