(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

high priority arrest

Repeat offender Bryan Moffitt arrested in central Alberta

Aug 27, 2025 | 7:46 PM

Wetaskiwin and Ponoka RCMP, and other RCMP partners, assisted recently in the arrest of 28-year-old repeat offender Bryan Moffitt.

Police say on Aug. 20, investigators from the Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), and Ponoka General Investigation Section (GIS) were searching for a wanted priority offender.

As a result, the Ponoka GIS learned the suspect was hiding at a property in Wetaskiwin County.

This led Wetaskiwin CRU members to set up surveillance on the property where they say they observed a suspected stolen truck leaving. The truck allegedly drove into a police vehicle on purpose, according to police, in an attempt to disable it.

RCMP Police Dog Services attempted to stop the truck, but it fled the scene with speed. Police eventually disabled the truck using a tire deflation device in Leduc County near Warburg.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

However, the suspect allegedly stole a Honda dirt bike from a rural property and continued fleeing for a short distance.

With the assistance of EPS AIR 1, EPS TRAP, RCMP Emergency Response Team, Leduc RCMP Stryke Team, Wetaskiwin GIS, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Community Response Team & RTOC, Bryan Moffit was taken into custody.

During the investigation, the RCMP Auto Theft Unit determined the truck was stolen out of Red Deer.

Moffitt has been charged with assault with weapon; possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal $5,000; fraudulent concealment; alter/destroy/remove a Vehicle Identification Number; dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; breaking and entering with intent; theft of a motorcycle; and flight from a peace officer.

He was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody for future court dates at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.

The next day, the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit members executed a search warrant at the property where the stolen truck initially left.

Police share they seized a rifle, homemade shotgun, fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, a rifle, two stolen Husqvarna lawnmowers, and a partial stolen VIN plate.

“These arrests highlights the effective partnership between the RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service,” said A/Sgt John Learn of the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit. “Thanks to the quick response of EPS Air 1 and the combined efforts of all the RCMP units involved, this incident was brought to a safe conclusion.”

As a result of this investigation, Patrick McAuley, 42, was also charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl; possession of a controlled substance – Meth; two counts of possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal $5,000; two counts of weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization; two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose; possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized; and breach of recognizance .

McAuley was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with his initial court date set for Aug. 26, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.