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Weapons Seized

Rocky Mountain House RCMP pursuit results in arrest and seizure of sawed-off shotgun

May 22, 2020 | 9:35 AM

RCMP have one man in custody following an early evening chase through the town of Rocky Mountain House, culminating in a crash on a private property.

On May 20 at 7:11 p.m., RCMP received the first complaint of a possible impaired driver eastbound on Highway 11. The vehicle was seen to be driving very erratically.

Mounties say patrols were made but the vehicle was not initially located. At 7:35 p.m. a second complaint was received about the same vehicle driving dangerously in town. The vehicle was seen driving on a walking path and in the skate park.

RCMP members located the suspect Jeep and made efforts to stop the vehicle. However, the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated with members driving with lights and sirens activated through town.

Police say the Jeep sped through the community, then southbound on Highway 11. At Range Road 7-1 the Jeep rammed through a fence onto a farmer’s field. It drove across the field and ultimately over a steep embankment – crashing approximately 25-30 feet down. RCMP allege the driver then took off from the Jeep and into a wooded area.

Police Dog Services (PDS) attended to assist, but the man exited the woods and was arrested prior to the deployment of PDS. The suspect was transported to hospital for medical assessment and has since been released.

RCMP have determined that the Jeep was stolen out of Stettler. A search of the Jeep led members to seize a sawed-off shotgun, bear mace and a machete.

James Stewart Shewchuk, 31, has been charged with six criminal charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from peace officer and two counts of possession of a weapon contrary to an order.

Shewchuk has been remanded in custody with a future court date.