Subscribe to the 100% free rdnewsNOW daily newsletter!
ponoka and wetaskiwin

Repeat liquor thieves charged after investigation by RCMP in central Alberta

Apr 20, 2026 | 4:27 PM

Multiple central Alberta RCMP detachments have charged three people following an investigation into liquor theft.

On April 2, at about 8:40 p.m., Ponoka RCMP officers responded to a thieft at a loca lliquor store. Surveillance footage captured two females and one male leaving the store with more than $1,000 worth of allegedly stolen alcohol.

On April 15, at about 5:30 p.m., Wetaskiwin RCMP responded to a similar theft, with surveillance capturing a male and female leaving the store with stolen goods. Suspects fled in a black Kia Sportage.

Following the Wetaskiwin incident, the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) assumed carriage of the investigation. Through review of surveillance footage, suspect descriptions, and investigative follow-up, CRU members were able to link the individuals involved in the Wetaskiwin robbery to the earlier theft reported in Ponoka, police note in a release.

On April 16, around 10 a.m., CRU members located the suspect vehicle parked outside a residence in on Louis Bull First Nation. Members identified and located the suspects at a nearby residence.

“Retail theft and repeat offending have a direct impact on businesses and community safety,” said Cpl. John Learn. “Through coordinated efforts between our detachments, we were able to quickly identify those responsible and take enforcement action. We will continue to target repeat offenders and hold them accountable.”

A 38-year-old from Calgary has been charged with Robbery, and Theft Under $5,000 (x2). That man was wanted on 97 outstanding charges in Calgary, and one from Maskwacis RCMP.

A 34-year-old woman from Maskwacis faces charges of Robbery, and Theft Under $5,000.

A 27-year-old from Maskwacis is charged with two counts of Theft Under $5,000. A warrant remains out for their arrest.