Submitted by Cst. Holly Porterfield
Wetaskiwin RCMP
The Wetaskiwin RCMP are investigation a series of incidences, including the discharge of firearms, that occurred in the early morning hours of November 23rd, 2016. Police received a report of a stolen 1998 Dodge Dakota from a residence near 52nd Avenue and 55th Street in Wetaskiwin, Alta., shortly after 5:00 AM. The owner of the truck had been awaken by the sound of a loud vehicle and when they looked outside their truck was gone.
Approximately a half hour after the report of the stolen vehicle was made police were called to a residence near Township Road 470 and Range Road 252 where a small dark colored truck had come onto a rural property. The property owner saw 3 individuals on the property. The three individuals got into the truck and left after hearing the dog barking. The property owner did discharge their firearm into the air at which time they heard what they believed to be another firearm being discharged from the vehicle. No one was injured. One of the males is described as a larger, Native, male, wearing a red jacket.
Before 6:30 AM the Wetaskiwin RCMP received 2 more reports of a suspicious vehicles on rural properties in the area. On such property owner was alerted to the vehicle by a yard alarm. In each of these cases it is uncertain if anyone exited the vehicle.
Police later received a report of two firearms that had been stolen from a vehicle some time over night. The 12 gauge Remington and 0.22 Caliber Ruger had been left in an older Dodge Dakota parked near 54th Street and 55th Avenue. Police believe that the suspect(s) were trying to steal the truck as the steering column had been ripped apart. The owner of the Dodge Dakota has been charged with unsafe storage of the firearms as well as unlawful possession of firearms.
Police are still looking for the 1998, dark green, Dodge Dakota with Alberta license plate FDU 885. If you see this vehicle please call 911. Do not approach the vehicle.
If you see any suspicious activities in your neighborhood please report it to the police. If you have any further information on this please call the Wetaskiwin RCMP at 780-312-7267, or call your local police detachment. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca] for instructions). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.