SMOKY LAKE - A man is facing a list of charges after he was arrested twice in less than 24 hours by Smoky Lake RCMP.
In the early morning hours of Sept. 14, Smoky Lake RCMP responded to a break and enter in progress. An unknown man was trying to break into a residence through a window in the Town of Smoky Lake.
"The homeowner, who was home at the time, reported that the male had allegedly broken a window in an attempt to gain entry," according to RCMP.
Police responded to the call and located the suspect - Dennis Watchmaker, 46, from the Kehewin Cree Nation. He was arrested for break and enter and was found to have outstanding warrants.
A judicial interim release hearing was held that day, and Watchmaker was released on conditions to appear in court at a later date.
At 9:30 p.m., that same night police received a report of an unknown man who was breaking into a store on a rural property in Smoky Lake County.
"While police were responding to the scene, the property owner reported that the male had approached the residence located on the same property and was now on the deck, allegedly breaking windows and doors in an attempt to gain entry. Two adults and three children were in the residence at the time of the incident," according to Smoky Lake RCMP.
When police arrived, the suspect fled on foot.
Police from neighbouring areas including Redwater, Boyle, Two Hills and the Eastern Alberta Police Dog Services responded and a containment area was set up. The suspect eventually gave himself up and was arrested.
The man was identified as Watchmaker, the same man who had been released from police custody just hours earlier on similar offences.
A police investigation also revealed that Watchmaker allegedly started a small fire behind the rural store.
Following the first incident, Watchmaker was charged with break and enter to a dwelling, mischief under $5,000, theft under $5,000, disturbing the peace, and trespassing at night.
Following the second incident, Watchmaker was charged with break and enter to a dwelling, break and enter to a business, arson, and mischief over $5,000. After another judicial interim release hearing, Watchmaker was remanded into custody.
He will next be appearing on Sept. 30 at Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Court.
Smoky Lake RCMP would like to encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell police where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
