BONNYVILLE - The man assaulted on a rural property last weekend has recovered from his injuries and returned home from the hospital as the investigation into who was in the truck that struck him continues.
"We're deeply investigating - it's on the top of our list," stressed Sgt. Kim Hillier.
On Feb. 15, just shy of 9 a.m., Bonnyville RCMP were called about a theft from a rural property on Twp. Rd. 610 where a witness was hit by a fleeing truck.
"The property owners saw two suspects loading property and when confronted, the suspects fled the scene in their vehicles and one of the witnesses was struck by a vehicle as it fled," Hillier detailed.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.
"He was released from the hospital a day later," added Hillier.
RCMP are on the hunt for a black 1998 Chevrolet half-ton truck with distinctive large white striping and a maroon or dark red 2010 Dodge half-ton pick-up with damage on the passenger-side door. Both vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident.
A few days later, on Feb. 18, police were contacted about suspicious activity near the property.
"We had been doing concentrated patrols in that area, and our member was there when he noted a vehicle with a suspended driver with a passenger the driver was on conditions not to be around," Hillier described.
The suspect had recognized the police vehicle and sped off before loosing control and crashing into the ditch.
The driver fled from police on-foot and Police Dog Services were contacted.
As a result of the pursuit, RCMP arrested 29-year-old Christopher Olszowka.
He has been charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resist or obstruct a police officer, and fail to comply with release conditions.
"On the property he was located on, members also found what they believed to be stolen property. A subsequent warrant was initiated and executed where we recovered multiple personal items that belonged to the previous property (on Twp. Rd. 610)," outlined Hillier.
The investigation into the assault continues, and it's unknown whether Olszowka is directly linked to the rural property theft at this time, however, Hillier confirmed he was in possession of stolen items from that property.
Missing taillight
Police are looking for anyone who may have seen someone stealing a taillight off a truck parked at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre on Feb. 18.
It was around 1:30 p.m. when the call came in from the owner of a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, who claimed his driver's-side taillight was missing.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact RCMP at 780-343-7200.
Trucks continue to go MIA
On Feb. 18 at 2 p.m., RCMP were notified that a grey 2002 GMC Sierra was stolen from a 44 St. residence in town.
"The resident wasn't sure when it happened, and she did have the keys for the vehicle," explained Hillier, adding the last time the vehicle was known to be parked in front of the house was Saturday, Feb. 15.
Two days later, at around 7 a.m., the owner of a 2007 GMC Sierra reported their vehicle stolen from 43 A Ave. in Bonnyville.
