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FEB. 18 HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE

Two Ponoka residents charged in alleged armed robbery

Feb 20, 2025 | 10:54 AM

Two Ponoka residents have been arrested and charged following an alleged armed robbery that took place on Feb. 18, east of Highway 2A, and prompted a safety advisory from RCMP.

That evening at about 8 p.m., Ponoka RCMP say they responded to an armed robbery at 38 Avenue Close, where a male and female suspect allegedly stole a white Pontiac Vibe at gun point.

Police say they pursued the suspects through Ponoka County and Montana First Nation until the vehicle crossed a frozen river and became stuck on a berm. According to the report, the female suspect was quickly arrested, however, the male suspect fled on foot before being apprehended by AIR 1 and the Police Dog Service.

RCMP report the male was then taken to Ponoka General Hospital by Emergency Medical Services to be checked for exposure injuries.

While the individuals were under pursuit, RCMP issued an advisory for the area asking residents to stay inside, away from their windows, and lock their doors until the situation resolved.

As a result, 35-year-old Preston Saddleback has been charged with:

  • Robbery with a firearm
  • Flight from a peace officer
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • Resist/obstruct a peace officer
  • Assault with a weapon
  • Mischief

RCMP say Saddleback was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded in custody with his next court date set for Feb. 21, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.

Kayla Currie, 41, was charged with:

  • Robbery with a firearm
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • Flight from a peace officer

Currie was taken before a justice of the peace and released, with her next court date set for Feb. 28, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka, police say.

RCMP thank the residents who were asked to shelter inside while they searched for the individuals.

Related: Late night police presence in Ponoka cleared