On April 11, 2024, Whitecourt RCMP were advised of a series of break-ins at a rural oilfield plant on Windfall Road. At the time of the call, RCMP was advised that the suspects were still on site with a rented transport truck. A multi-unit response, including Whitecourt RCMP General Duty and Roving Traffic Unit (RTU), attended the scene. Three offenders were located and arrested in the rented truck by Whitecourt RCMP RTU after they left the scene. The truck contained stolen materials from the plant.
Two other offenders fled the scene in a pickup truck, driving into the bush until the vehicle was no longer driveable and then fleeing on foot. RCMP set up a containment and got assistance from Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) and Alberta Sheriffs' RAPID response. The suspects were not located at this time but stolen material was located in the box of the pickup.
On April 12, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., the two remaining suspects were spotted, which resulted in another multi-unit response. Alberta RCMP PDS were able to track and locate the suspects. A male suspect received minor injuries as a result, which were later treated.
As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested, charged and brought before a justice of the peace:
A 36-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x2);
- Possession of unstamped tobacco; and
- Failure to comply with release order (x3).
- A 39-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x2);
- Possession of unstamped tobacco; and
- Failure to comply with release order (x4).
A 55-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x2);
- Possession of unstamped tobacco; and
- Possession of break-in instruments.
A 37-year-old individual, a resident of Parkland County, Alta., was charged with:
- Break and enter;
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime; and
- Laundering proceeds of crime.
A 43-year-old individual, a resident of Parkland County, was charged with:
- Break and enter;
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime;
- Laundering proceeds of crime;
- Failure to stop; and
- Obstruct police officer.
The 36-year-old individual was remanded into custody, to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta., on April 17, 2024. All the other individuals were released on conditions by the justice of the peace and are to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt on May 14, 2024.
''We would like to thank the local industry for their assistance in this investigation and encourage them to call in all suspicious activity'' stated Whitecourt RCMP Acting Detachment Commander Sgt. Matthew Clarke. ''I would also like to take the opportunity to highlight the great work done by the various RCMP members and units, including RTU and PDS as well as the ongoing partnership with the Alberta Sheriffs. We are your Alberta RCMP and will keep working hard in the name of all Albertans.''