A man high on marijuana called 911 stating there was an emergency at the Cedar Barn, and was arrested on multiple outstanding warrants.
On Jan. 10, at around 1:30 a.m., Bonnyville RCMP responded to a 911 complaint from a 29-year-old man who claimed there was an emergency and he couldn't speak freely because weapons were involved.
When officers responded to the Cedar Barn, they found the Strathmore-area man, but couldn't locate a threat or any weapons.
Through an investigation, RCMP learned no incident had taken place and the male was intoxicated by cannabis.
He was arrested on outstanding warrants based out of Cold Lake, Rocky Mountain House, and Strathmore, and was charged with public mischief.
"Public mischief is when you cause the police to enter an investigation that's unfounded, so you basically lied to the police. You can get a criminal code charge of public mischief for that," detailed Cpl. Kim Hillier of the Bonnyville RCMP.
Police, fire respond to vehicle burning
RCMP were called to a vehicle "completely engulfed" in flames on Hwy. 660 on Jan. 5.
It was around 3:30 a.m. when police and fire crews responded.
“No people or other vehicles were in the vicinity, and an investigation is underway. We believe it was a stolen vehicle that was intentionally set on fire on the side of the highway,” Hillier described.
Hillier said the intention in these situations is often to destroy evidence.
“It's to destroy evidence, and I understand from past investigations where I have spoken with people who have been charged with those offences, that it’s quite a scene to see a quad or vehicle go up in flames. It’s a bit of a thrill for the person who has stolen it as well. When they’re done with it, they make a big scene with it and burn it. There’s nothing for us to follow-up on as far as fingerprints or evidence."
While it was more of a common occurrence a few years ago, officers are seeing less stolen vehicles being destroyed using this method.
“I would say, five to 10 years ago, it was very common because it was young people who were stealing to joyride. Now, it seems to be those vehicles are making it outside of our area and are parted out or used in other crimes,” Hillier said. “A different level of criminal seems to be stealing the vehicles now."
If police could identify who set the vehicle on fire, the person would be charged with arson.
Prolific offender arrested
Dean Gamache will remain in custody until his court appearance on Jan. 22 after a resident contacted police about a suspicious person in their yard on Jan. 7.
"Members arrived in the area and located a female who advised that her boyfriend and her had a verbal argument," detailed Hillier. "Gamache was seen driving a car, and had attempted to flee, however, due to road conditions, was unable to."
Gamache was arrested for driving while unauthorized, flight from police, and two counts of failing to comply.
RCMP thank the public for calling it in
Bonnyville RCMP are grateful residents reported possible impaired drivers after two charges were laid as a result of tips from the public.
“We really appreciate calls from the public, they're our eyes on the street,” stated Hillier.
The first offence was on Jan. 5 just after midnight.
Police responded to a call from a concerned citizen about a possible drunk driver. They located the truck running with a male in the driver's seat.
According to Hillier, the 29-year-old's lowest reading was 180-milligrams of alcohol per 100-millilitres of blood. He was charged with impaired care and control of a motor vehicle.
Two days later, officers received another call from the public between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and charged a 61-year-old Bonnyville man with impaired operation of a motor vehicle as a result.
His lowest sample was 110-milligrams of alcohol per 100-millilitres of blood.
GDL driver suspended
A graduated driver's license (GDL) driver has been suspended following a collision on Jan. 9.
Hillier said there had been a report of a single vehicle collision where a driver had swerved in order to avoid something on the road.
The responding officer conducted a mandatory screening on the 24-year-old male driver.
"The driver blew a number, so there was a level of alcohol, and that resulted in a GDL suspension," Hillier detailed.
Woman fails to stop for a pedestrian
A female driver was given a warning on 50 Ave. after failing to yield for a pedestrian lawfully at an intersection.
According to Hillier, the fine for this offence is $776.
"That's a very serious fine, so you have to be very careful when a pedestrian steps out into a crosswalk. You can't go through until they're at the other side of the road. Some people think that once they're past your lane, you're fine, but you're not," she stressed.
Information is provided by the RCMP. Identities may or may not be published as a result of charges being sworn by a Justice of the Peace.
