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Joshua Martin William Howse

Red Deer man sentenced in central Alberta crime spree

Apr 26, 2022 | 2:52 PM

A Red Deer man has been sentenced to over three years in jail after being convicted in a series of crimes throughout central Alberta last year, including an armed car-jacking.

Joshua Martin William Howse, 33, was sentenced in Wetaskiwin provincial court on April 19, 2022, and given three years in jail following convictions on counts of possession of stolen property over $5000, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and robbery. He was also sentenced to 30 days for failing to comply with a release order.

In addition, Howse was also ordered to pay restitution of $10,002.97 and handed a lifetime firearms prohibition.

Wetaskiwin RCMP say it was about 11 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2021, when members observed a truck with a burnt out headlight travelling near Highway 2A and 36 Avenue in Wetaskiwin.

The officer lost sight of the vehicle, but continued to make patrols in an effort to locate it.

Shortly thereafter, it was found in the area of Township Road 460 and Highway 2A.

It was then determined that the vehicle had been stolen out of Red Deer. Next, it was followed at a distance with assistance from RCMP Police Dog Services and Edmonton Police Service Air 1 Helicopter.

Police say the vehicle then stopped near the main terminal of Edmonton International Airport.

As officers approached the vehicle, a suspect took a cab by force and deployed bear spray against the cab driver before fleeing in the vehicle.

Police say it was then driven towards police officers who were out of their vehicles, and did not stop. No officers were injured.

Another pursuit occurred, with Edmonton Police taking over as the chase bled into the city. EPS successfully stopped the cab using a spike belt.

Three suspects were apprehended and taken into custody before being turned over to RCMP. Charges were later withdrawn against the two other suspects, Lindsey Rae Mazzei, of Red Deer, and Amanda Ray Metro, of Red Deer.

RELATED: Three from Red Deer arrested after lengthy pursuit in Wetaskiwin/Edmonton area