BONNYVILE – In the overnight hours of Feb. 5, a business in the area of 51 Street and 55 Avenue was broken into and had several tools reportedly stolen.
An investigation into the break in took RCMP along the Iron Horse Trail from the scene directly to the alleged suspect’s residence in a local trailer park, according to Bonnyville RCMP.
“RCMP immediately obtained a search warrant for the residence and located all the tools belonging to the victim business,” stated an RCMP media release.
Additionally, several other high value items were alleged to have been located at the residence including a Kubota tractor that had been stolen in July of 2022 and various Dewalt, Husqvarna and Milwaukee tools.
A 33-year-old Bonnyville resident, Patrick Schmold, was arrested and is now facing three counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, one for each victim, and one count of possession of methamphetamine.
The value of the tractor and all other stolen property is estimated to be over $40,000, with the majority of items belonging to three different victims from separate thefts.
Of the 19 stolen tools recovered by police, all but one was returned to their rightful owner, say police.
RCMP are still looking for the owner of a Milwaukee circular saw which has the initials “SP” written on it. The saw also has a distinguishable engraving that was not identified. If you think this may be your stolen saw, you are encouraged to contact the Bonnyville RCMP detachment.
Schmold is set to appear in Bonnyville court on April 25.
