RCMP say they discovered this vehicle with firearms, ammo, drugs and stolen ID documents in Gasoline Alley near Red Deer on Sept. 16. (RCMP)

By Sheldon Spackman

Not Guilty Pleas

Man charged in Ponoka kidnapping, robbery, and assault going to trial

Oct 21, 2020 | 11:26 AM

One of three people charged in a kidnapping, robbery and assault in Ponoka last month is going to trial next year.

Chasetin Morin, 25, entered not guilty pleas in Red Deer provincial court on Friday and will go to trial on Feb. 18, 2021.

Morin faces two counts of robbery with a firearm, kidnapping and assault, as well as additional charges of possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Ponoka RCMP says the incident began during the early morning hours of Sept. 7.

Their investigation revealed that a 22-year-old man from Slave Lake met a woman online and after almost a year of online communication, agreed to meet her.

Decisions made

City council recap - March 24, 2026

1h ago

Priorities and considerations

City of Red Deer approves guidelines to develop 2027 budget

1h ago

smooth, respectful handover to hope mission

Safe Harbour holds ceremony to mark transition of shelter services

2h ago

Mounties say the victim got into a vehicle, determined to be previously stolen, with the female in Ponoka. While in the vehicle, it’s alleged the male was assaulted by two men, one of whom had a gun.

Over a lengthy period, police say the victim was driven to several banks where he was forced to provide his banking information in order for withdrawals to be made from his accounts. The victim’s truck and cell phone were also stolen and he was eventually dropped off in Blackfalds.

The two other suspects were identified as Jared Michael McLeod, 26, and Amber Loretta Knickle, 21.

On Sept. 16, Mounties located a stolen vehicle in Gasoline Alley and arrested McLeod and Morin, who police say were both in the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of an imitation firearm, loaded shotgun, ammunition, methamphetamine, and according to police, at least 61 pieces of miscellaneous stolen identity documents.

At the time of his arrest, Morin was also wanted on an arrest warrant out of Red Deer for another incident on Sept. 10 where the victim’s stolen vehicle was spotted and fled from police.

Mounties say Knickle was located and arrested on Sept. 18. Her case returns to Ponoka Provincial Court on Oct. 30 for election and plea.

McLeod is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Apr. 29, 2021 to see if his case has enough evidence to go to trial.