BONNYVILLE – In the first week of 2022, traffic stops conducted by Bonnyville RCMP led to several charges, detection of impaired driving, and multiple arrests related to illegal firearm possession and possession of illicit drugs.
A member of the Bonnyville RCMP was conducting a traffic stop with a vehicle and while the driver was producing her driver’s licence, the police officer observed the butt end of a firearm in plain view, according to a statement released by RCMP.
During the incident, which occurred at 11 p.m. on Jan. 4, RCMP proceeded to arrest the driver and detained a female passenger.
A male passenger was also found to be hiding in the back seat. He was arrested and was reported to have lied about his identity to police.
“A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of more firearms, drugs and other criminal paraphernalia,” stated RCMP.
The 31-year-old female driver from Cold Lake First Nations, the 33-year-old female passenger from Kehewin and the 35-year-old male passenger from Saddle Lake were charged with 15 firearm and weapons related charges, as well as possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of break-in tools.
The man was additionally charged with three counts of failing to comply with a previous release condition, identity fraud, obstruction, and other charges.
The man was remanded in custody until his court date on Jan. 18.
Both women were released by a Justice of the Peace on a promise to pay $2,000 if they fail to attend court. Their first appearance is scheduled for Jan. 25.
Suspended-driver spotted in drive-thru
On Jan. 1 at 11:45 a.m., a member of the Bonnyville RCMP was conducting patrols on Eastpointe Way in Bonnyville when the officer observed a truck in a nearby drive-thru and recognized a driver as someone known to have a suspended licence.
“The member pulled up near the exit of the drive-thru where there were two vehicles in line in front of the suspect truck. While waiting for the suspect to exit the drive-thru, the member observed the driver and his female passenger switch seats in attempt to avoid being caught,” according to police.
A traffic stop was conducted after the suspect vehicle exited the drive-thru.
A 41-year-old man from Bonnyville was charged with driving while suspended. The vehicle was towed for 30 days, which is a standard seizure for the offence, say police.
Impaired driving
On Jan. 1 at 2:20 p.m., a member of the Bonnyville RCMP was conducting patrols on 50 Ave. in Bonnyville when a vehicle was noted to have expired registration. The vehicle was also registered to a woman with a suspended licence.
“A traffic stop was initiated, and a Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) test was administered resulting in the detection of alcohol in the driver’s body,” according to RCMP.
An 18-year-old woman from Onion Lake, Sask., was issued a roadside sanction for driving while impaired. Her vehicle was towed and held for 30 days.
According to RCMP, she was also charged under the Traffic Safety Act for driving while suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
Assaulting a police officer
Bonnyville RCMP were called to a residence in Bonnyville to deal with an allegedly intoxicated and violent man on Jan. 3 at 2 a.m.
The man resisted arrest, and proceeded to spit on the arresting officer, according to RCMP.
The 21-year-old man from Kehewin has been charged with assaulting a police officer. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 18.
