There's not much left of the two vehicles that were found engulfed in flames and completely burnt to the ground.
Bonnyville RCMP are investigating two separate arson incidences, both involving vehicles.
An officer was just wrapping up their shift on Aug. 31 when they came across a fully engulfed semi-truck.
According to Cst. Katherine Hall, lead investigating officer for the file, the fire started sometime between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
“If anyone had seen anything prior to police arrival, we would love any information,” she stated.
The white semi-truck was parked on the corner of 37 St. near Beau Vista Blvd.
Anyone who may have seen someone in the area is encouraged to contact the detachment at 780-343-7200.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for people to have seen something,” Sgt. Kim Hillier exclaimed.
Police are also looking into a second arson, after receiving a report on Sept. 1 about a possible explosion.
A white 2018 Dodge Ram Power Wagon was found near the Kehewin Pow Wow Grounds "completely burnt out," police told the Nouvelle.
Shortly after receiving the call about the fire, the owner of the vehicle called RCMP to report his truck stolen.
“Unfortunately, the vehicle was being recovered as the owner was calling it in,” noted Hillier.
RCMP are asking anyone who may have seen someone in the area around 11 p.m. on the day of the fire to contact Cst. Megan Letang of the Bonnyville RCMP.
Hillier described arson investigations as "very time consuming."
“They’re difficult to investigate, but we employ the services of the fire department, who have specialized investigators to help us in these situations,” she added.
Don't forget, it's hunting season
Police are reminding the public that duck hunting season is open, after receiving a report on Sept. 2 of possible gun shots or fireworks in the Jessie Lake-area.
“Eventually it was recognized that it was a duck hunter… The season is open, so we just want hunters to be aware of the areas they’re allowed to hunt in, have permission from landowners, and to ensure that they’re within the safety regulations are far enough away from residential areas,” detailed Hillier.
Lending a hand to Beaumont RCMP
The Bonnyville detachment is doing what they can to assist the Beaumont RCMP with an ongoing investigation.
On Sept. 4, Bonnyville RCMP responded to a complaint about an abandoned 2006 silver Ford F350 in the area of Twp. Rd. 630.
“The truck turned out to be a vehicle linked to an armed robbery in Beaumont,” described Hillier. “Members attended the area, located the vehicle, and it remains in police custody for a forensics exam."
Their hope, she said, is to recover some evidence that will lead the Beaumont officers to the culprit of the armed robbery.
Anyone with information about the vehicle with license plate CAB 682, is encouraged to contact the local detachment.
Second abandoned vehicle linked to robbery
“Bonnyville members took a call about an abandoned vehicle at the Kehewin Store. Members were immediately contacted by the Elk Point RCMP to find out that vehicle had been involved in a robbery in the Elk Point-area,” Hillier said.
It was around 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 when officers found the abandoned vehicle, which was linked to an armed robbery.
“Suspects were no longer present, however, a short time later a second call came in about people walking on the highway, which led to the involvement of Police Dog Services (PDS) and the arrest of two suspects,” detailed Hillier.
Truck stolen from in town
RCMP are hoping residents will keep an eye out for a stolen 2017 white Jeep Cherokee.
It was taken from the 39 St. area in town, and at the time of the theft, had license plate BKY 085.
Slow down in school zones
Now that students are back to school, RCMP are keeping an eye on school zones and ensuring drivers are too.
“I’m sure people in the area have noticed there are multiple police vehicles patrolling the schools in the morning just to ensure the kids are getting to school safe, drivers are slowing down in school zones, stopping at stop signs, staying off of their cellphones, and just being aware of the small people running out into traffic,” warned Hillier.
Missing female
Trinity Angel LaPratt, a 31-year-old indigenous female, was reported missing on Aug. 19.
According to police, she's been missing since Aug. 10.
LaPratt is described as a five-foot six-inch tall female weighing 155-lbs. She has shoulder-length brown hair.
RCMP want to speak to LaPratt directly in order to confirm her safety.
