The Wetaskiwin RCMP has arrested a 17 year old male for the second time in just over a month, this time he faces 43 new charges. Police were called right after the theft of a Cadillac SUV at Fasgas in Wetaskiwin on November 19th, 2015, just before 4:00 PM. Police were then alerted to a theft of fuel from Esso by an identical Cadillac SUV, and later a Cadillac SUV driving through a fence near Garden Meadows. The stolen vehicle was located by police near 53rd Street and 47th Avenue, where the suspect was seen running from the vehicle. The Wetaskiwin Police Service Dog Unit was able to track and apprehended the suspect. During the chase, Fantom, the 2.5 year old police service dog did sustain minor injuries after colliding with a vehicle during the chase. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The youth already has 25 charges before the courts which are in relation to the theft of a truck in Millet on October 4th, 2015. At the time the youth did not speak to bail, and was later released by a judge.
At the time of the arrest the male had 37 warrants related the theft of 2 other vehicles, and numerous breaches of court orders. Charges related to this incident include theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, theft under $5000, mischief under $5000, fail to comply, and operate motor vehicle without a license.
The youth did not speak to bail, and remains in custody. His next court appearance will be in December 2015.
Winter is here and with that police are reminding citizens to keep their vehicles locked when they are warming their vehicles or running into stores.