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Got their man

Wanted man arrested in Brazeau County following lengthy police dog track

May 8, 2020 | 1:32 PM

The Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU) got their man with the assistance of multiple police resources and over five hours of tracking by the Police Dog Services Unit.

On April 30, the unit acted on information which led them to a home in Breton where there was a male wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, including possession of a prohibited firearm.

Breton RCMP, RCMP Air Services and Police Dog Services were called in. The male managed to flee the residence on an ATV, but his location was determined and tracked with the assistance of the police helicopter.

Police say the male drove the ATV dangerously until he reached a deep river where he ditched it and ran on foot. A chase ensued, and additional officers from Thorsby and Drayton Valley RCMP were called in.

The Police Dog Services unit, with a CAD CRU member, tracked him for over five hours. He was eventually arrested in a forested area.

Derek Fernand Lavoie, 30, is facing 10 new criminal charges from this incident including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, four counts of fail to comply with a release order condition, and resisting arrest.

Lavoie has been on the RCMP’s “Wanted Wednesday” list for several weeks. He remains in custody ahead of a scheduled May 21 appearance in Leduc provincial court.