Pipestone Flyer
On March 23rd, 2012 at approximately 11:00 p.m., Leduc RCMP received a report of a two vehicle collision and people fighting in the street on Grant MacEwan Blvd., south of Hwy 39. Leduc RCMP and Emergency Medical Services immediately attended the scene.
Upon arriving at the scene, Leduc RCMP members were advised that two males traveling north bound on Grant MacEwan Blvd. in a 2004 Ford F350 had stopped in the middle of the road and were rear ended by a 2007 Dodge Ram Pickup. The two males from the Ford pickup exited their vehicle, assaulted the two males traveling in the Dodge Pickup and then fled from the scene in their Dodge Pickup.
As a result of the collision, the Dodge had extensive front end damage and the headlights on the vehicle were not functioning. An RCMP member on scene observed the Dodge northbound on Grant MacEwan Blvd. and activated his emergency equipment in the police vehicle in efforts to pull the vehicle over. The Dodge accelerated and continued to drive east bound onto Black Gold Dr., north bound onto Alton Dr., through a red light at Hwy 39 into the Bridgeport area.
The Dodge signaled to turn left onto Bridgeport Blvd. however, drove straight into the Harry Bienert Park. The truck struck a teeter-totter and another piece of playground equipment before coming to a stop behind a residence on Birchmont Dr.
Both male occupants fled from the vehicle on foot. The male passenger was apprehended a short time later by a member in a high risk take down. The RCMP Police Dog Service was requested to attend to assist in locating the male driver. RCMP Police Dog Service arrived on scene and “Bolt” exercised his great skills by following his nose for nearly an hour leading him directly to the suspect. The male driver was arrested in a high risk take down.
Further investigation confirmed that the Ford pickup the males had been driving prior to the collision, had been reported stolen out of Red Deer. Both males are well known to police and have been convicted for violent offences in the past including Assault on a police officer . Both males were believed to be heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident and believed to be a suspect in a theft out of Lacombe early the same day.
Monte Randall RIGGINS, a 37 yr old male and Dean James JOHNSTONE, a 41 yr old male from Delburne, AB are facing the following charges:
1. Robbery
2. Assault
3. Fail to Remain at Scene of Accident
4. Obstruct/Resist Peace Officer
5. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.00 (x2)
JOHNSTONE further stands charged with:
6. Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
7. Flight from Police Officer
8. Mischief Under $5000.00
9. Operate a Motor Vehicle While Disqualified (x2)
10. Operate and Uninsured Motor Vehicle (x2)
RIGGINS and JOHNSTONE were taken into police custody and brought before a Justice to speak to their release. Both men were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear in Leduc Provincial Court on March 29th, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.
Both RIGGINS and JOHNSTONE were wanted on outstanding warrants from various areas at the time of their arrest.
Leduc Male Arrested After Breaking Into Liquor Store
On March 24th, 2012 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Leduc RCMP received two separate reports of a male attempting to break into the Deer Valley Coop Liquor Store. A description of the male was provided by both callers.
Leduc RCMP immediately attended and located a male walking east bound on Hwy 39 matching the description provided. The male was visibly intoxicated and verbal aggressive towards members. He was arrested without incident and taken into police custody.
Leduc RCMP obtained video surveillance of the incident. The video shows the male kick and break numerous windows at the liquor store and then attempt to break the glass on the front door. He can then be seen reaching in through one of the broken windows and pull on the metal security bars inside.
Clayton FORREST, a 24 yr old male from Leduc, AB is facing the following charges:
1. Break & Enter to Business
2. Mischief to Property Under $5000.00
FORREST was brought before a Justice and released on a no cash Recognizance with conditions. FORREST is scheduled to appear in Leduc Provincial Court on March 29th, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.
Motor Cyclist Catches
Attention of Leduc RCMP
Leduc RCMP have charged a 30 year old Red Deer male with Impaired Driving as well as Failing to Provide an Adequate Breath Sample and a number of other Traffic Safety Act charges.
On the 24th of March 2012 at approximately 2:10 am RCMP heard the sound of a loud muffler approaching the Leduc RCMP Detachment. Members observed a male in a t-shirt and jeans on a motorcycle in the snow covered road, traveling east towards the detachment. Members exited the rear entrance of the detachment and stopped the male. The motorcycle had no lights or other safety equipment nor was the male driver wearing a helmet. The temperature at the time was -11.
"I'm not sure if he knew where he was but he was certainly at the wrong place at the wrong time" says Cst. Drew BURCHETT of the Leduc Integrated Traffic Unit. "It certainly makes our job easier when the impaired drivers come to us."
As well as the Criminal charges the male is also facing charges for driving without registration or insurance and driving without a helmet.
His first court appearance will be May 3rd, 2012 at Leduc Provincial Court.
The name of the male is not being released at this time as the information has not been sworn.