Subscribe to the 100% free rdnewsNOW daily newsletter!

‘Project Blue Ghost’ leads to 99 charges against four

Aug 28, 2018 | 8:58 AM

Local Mounties have laid 99 charges against four people from central Alberta following an investigation dubbed “Project Blue Ghost.”

At about 11:35 p.m. on August 18, someone stole a vehicle from an open garage at a home in Innisfail. The suspects returned two days later and waited for the home owner leave the residence before using the garage door opener previously stolen from the vehicle. They entered the home and stole several items, including firearms.

On August 24, a male contacted Innisfail RCMP to report that two males, armed and wearing masks had entered his home in Penhold, assaulted him and stole his vehicle as well as some money from him.

On August 25, 2018 the Innisfail bottle depot was broken into and an undisclosed amount of money was stolen.

On August 26, the Innisfail RCMP detachment executed a search warrant on Minto street in Penhold.

Innisfail RCMP say these files and others led to the development of “Project Blue Ghost.” With the assistance of Red Deer GIS, Red Deer Forensic Identification Services, Red Deer Police Dog Services, and numerous tips from the community, they were successful in identifying four suspects and laying charges against them.

Dylan Steinbach, 26, of Innisfail faces 69 charges which include robbery with a firearm, extortion with a firearm, break and enter, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, breach of conditions and assault causing bodily harm. Steinbach has been remanded to appear in court August 31.

Daniel Buehler, 23, of Red Deer Alberta has been charged with 16 counts including break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5000, theft of motor vehicle and possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition. Buehler has been remanded to appear in court August 29.

Brianna Carroll, 23, of Red Deer Alberta faces five charges including possession of a controlled substance, breach of probation and possession of stolen property. Carroll has been remanded to appear in court August 28.

Michael Lawrence, 43, of Penhold has been charged with nine firearms, stolen property and controlled substance offences and is to appear in court August 28.

Innisfail RCMP and Red Deer RCMP GIS continue to investigate numerous files in relation to “Project Blue Ghost” as well as complaints related that have occurred in Red Deer.