On Thursday, November 5, shortly after 8:00 a.m., Wetaskiwin RCMP were dispatched to a call of an individual who just saw their car stolen. Police rushed to the rural location west of Wetaskiwin on Range Road 444.
The suspect had allegedly come onto the rural property in a van by himself, and stole a car that was running to warm up. With the assistance of the Ponoka RCMP the stolen vehicle was located on another rural road in Ponoka's area, the suspect no longer in the vehicle. An RCMP K9 unit and aircraft were dispatched to the area to assist in located the suspect.
The suspect was eventually located hiding in a tree by the aircraft unit. The K9 unit assisted in apprehending the suspect without incident. Police believe that the suspect had been using illicit drugs prior to, and possibly during, these events
Peter Geisbrecht, 21, of Edmonton, has been charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, and mischief over $5,000 in relation to this incident. He will be in Wetaskiwin court later this month.
Wetaskiwin RCMP have seen an increase of property crimes over the past few months, largely driven by the drug trade.
Anyone, whether you are living in a city, town, or on a rural property, can be a victim of these crimes. This is a prime example of how random these cases can be. Police are urging the public to take extra precautions with their property. Don't leave cars to warm up unlocked, and ensure all vehicles and buildings are locked at night and when you are not home.