By Lethbridge News Now (Dori Modney)

Snowmobile chase results in involvement of multiple RCMP detachments

Mar 22, 2018 | 11:45 AM

CHAMPION – A scene that could have been from the movies played out in Southern Alberta early Wednesday morning, involving multiple RCMP detachments, a canine unit and the Calgary Police Service helicopter. It resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man.

Around 5 a.m., a Vulcan RCMP officer was called to deal with a stolen snowmobile at a rural property near Champion. A truck was seen towing it on a trailer towards Highway 529.

The truck was located and pulled over shortly after 6 a.m. and a physical confrontation ensued when the officer attempted to arrest the male suspect, who was able to flee in the truck, nearly running over the officer.

A pursuit began, involving officers from High River and Okotoks detachments, but the initial pursuit ended when the fleeing truck got stuck in a snow covered field and the suspect fled on the stolen snowmobile. 

The suspect stopped the snowmobile to collect a chocolate lab dog that was in the truck and then took off on the snowmobile. 

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At this point, Turner Valley RCMP members joined the pursuit, also on snowmobiles. The Calgary Police Service HAWCS helicopter located the snowmobile stuck in a stand of trees about six kilometres from where the truck and trailer were abandoned. An RCMP canine unit assisted Vulcan officers who tracked and arrested the subject.

The suspect suffered slight injuries as a result of colliding with a tree while on the snowmobile and was taken to the hospital. He is in custody pending a bail hearing and won’t be named until charges are sworn. He will face 18 new charges as a result of this incident including assault of a police officer, flight from police and dangerous driving.

At the time of his arrest, the man was wanted on 29 outstanding warrants from various detachments.

The police officer involved in the physical confrontation was not injured, and the chocolate lab was returned to a family member.

An investigation confirmed that the truck was stolen from Okotoks, the trailer from Taber, and the license plate from Creston, B.C.

Sergeant Troy Dobson, Vulcan Detachment Commander says, “We’re thankful that the citizens reported this crime to us, and allowed us to do the job we’re trained to do. The collaboration with Calgary Police Service was also instrumental in the positive outcome today.”