RCMP arrested a 25-year-old man in a stolen Handi-Van on Metcalf Avenue Tuesday morning. (Photo Submitted)

By Sheldon Spackman

Arrest Made

RCMP arrest man in stolen Handi-Van

May 12, 2020 | 3:55 PM

One man is in custody following the theft of a handi-van from a seniors’ complex that led to a police chase in and around Red Deer Tuesday morning.

At 7:30 a.m., Blackfalds RCMP responded to a 911 complaint of a theft in progress at The Hamlets at Red Deer, a supportive living facility on Liberty Avenue in Gasoline Alley.

Mounties say responding members located the male and made efforts to make an arrest, but allege the man did not comply, even after the deployment of a conducted energy weapon.

Police say the male fled northbound in the stolen F350 handi-van and was seen to drive the wrong way on an off-ramp. A pursuit was initiated which led into the city of Red Deer.

Following the successful deployment of tire deflation devices, Mounties say the van was stopped on Metcalf Avenue. RCMP vehicles were said to be strategically placed to prohibit the van from further movement.

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Police say responding members were required to break a window in order to remove the 25-year-old male from the van without further incident.

Facebook user Brian Frank recorded the conclusion to the incident on video.

The suspect is facing at least 18 criminal charges, including theft of motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from peace officer, operation while impaired by drugs, and three counts of fail to comply with police conditions, among others.

The man remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

The investigation remains ongoing, while further provincial charges may also be laid.

In a letter posted to The Hamlets website on Tuesday, building officials confirm there were no residents or team members harmed during the incident.

“The Hamlets family takes the wellbeing and safety of its residents and team members very seriously; we will be reviewing this event and considering if there are steps we need to take to further protect everyone’s safety and wellbeing,” reads the statement. “We wish to thank the Red Deer County RCMP who managed to stop the perpetrator before a serious event or harm to members of the public occurred.”