By rdnewsNOW Staff

wanted on 7 outstanding warrants

Suspect arrested in stolen truck after striking up a conversation with police

Sep 28, 2021 | 2:57 PM

An east central Alberta man is facing charges after striking up a conversation with police while in possession of a stolen vehicle and license plate.

On Sept. 25, around 1:00 p.m., Ponoka RCMP went to a house in the area of 51 Street and 52 Avenue in Ponoka, in an attempt to locate a suspect with an outstanding warrant.

While in the area, police saw a truck that pulled into the parking lot unrelated to their investigation. Mounties say a man got out of the truck, started looking around the property and talked to the officers.

Officers conducted checks on the truck licence plate and vin number and determined the licence plate was stolen out Edmonton. Further investigation determined that the truck was stolen out of Red Deer.

42-year-old William Russell Johnston of Castor, was arrested on seven outstanding warrants relating to Criminal and Traffic Safety Act charges.

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He faces additional charges of:

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000. X 2
• Obstruct peace officer
• Fail to comply with release order x 6

Johnston was also charged with driving while unauthorized under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA).

Following a Judicial Hearing, Johnston was remanded into custody and was scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin provincial court on Sept. 28.

“Crime reduction continues to be a policing priority for Ponoka RCMP and this is an excellent demonstration of the pro-active police work being done in the Community of Ponoka by our members,” says Sgt. Erin St.-Cyr.

Ponoka RCMP encourages the public to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911.

If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tip.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.