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UPDATE: Stolen vehicle suspect charged in taxi armed robbery

May 29, 2017 | 1:27 PM

BLACKFALDS – A 31-year-old man is due in court Thursday after being arrested following a police pursuit earlier this week.

On Monday, shortly before 6 p.m., RCMP were alerted by the public about of an erratic driver in a field, east of Red Deer.

By the time Mounties arrived and located the vehicle, the occupants had fled on foot. Containment was set up and Red Deer RCMP dog services were called to the area.

A short time later, a man was brought to the attention of one of the RCMP officers. The suspect tried to flee on foot but was arrested a short distance away.

Investigations revealed he was in possession of a sawed off shotgun and ammunition.

Kurt Werner faces multiple charges stemming from this incident, which includes the firearms offences.

Werner was also wanted on 18 outstanding warrants from Red Deer City RCMP and Rocky Mountain house RCMP.

Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact the Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3300.

(Gary McKinnon)

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UPDATE [May 29]

Red Deer RCMP say Werner has been charged in relation to the knifepoint robbery of a taxi driver in our city on February 2.

Werner faces counts of robbery with weapon, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, and fail to comply with conditions in relation to the robbery.

He is scheduled to appear in Red Deer court on Thursdsay (June 1).

[NOTE: This story was first published on May 17 and updated on May 29 once the additional charges against Werner were announced]