Chris Clegg
South Peace News
A Keg River man and Loon Lake woman are facing charges after being arrested with help from the public.
Peace Regional RCMP report the incident began April 3 near Hines Creek, 100 kms west of Peace River.
“Multiple complaints were received by Peace Regional RCMP and Fairview RCMP regarding a suspicious vehicle towing a holiday trailer, both of which were later discovered to be stolen,” reports Cpl. Gina Slaney, public information officer, Alberta RCMP Media Group.
“Fairview RCMP located the vehicle in Hines Creek and attempted a traffic stop, however, the vehicle fled the scene,” she adds.
“The vehicle and trailer were located on several occasions thorough the day thanks to the combined efforts of RCMP members as well as members of the public, who called in all sightings. The blue pickup was located for the last time on an oilfield road near the British Columbia border, though the trailer had been found abandoned earlier that day.”
When police approached the pickup, suspects fled but were later tracked down with the help of RCMP Police Dog Services and Fort St. John RCMP members.
“One suspect received minor injuries while trying to flee the police dog and was brought to the hospital where his wounds were treated,” says Slaney.
“The suspects found in possession of the stolen vehicle are not believed to be those who attempted to steal the pickup truck in the Peace Regional RCMP detachment area and thus RCMP is still seeking public assistance in relation to that event.”
As a result of the investigation, the following two people were arrested.
Christian Singer, 39, of Keg River, faces single charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, flight from police, driving while prohibited, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving while uninsured, and two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Kristen Letendre, 42, of Loon Lake, was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Singer and Letendre were brought before a Justice of the Peace. Singer was remanded into custody and appeared at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fairview on April 7, while Letendre was released on conditions, to appear before the same court on April 23.
“We would like to thank the public for their assistance on this file,” says Cpl. Kurtis Fink of the Fairview RCMP Detachment.
“It is thanks to your vigilance that Fairview RCMP, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services and our partners at the B.C. RCMP Fort St. John detachment, was able to locate and apprehend these suspects,” he adds.
“We would like to remind the public that they are a great source of information and to keep calling in suspicious activity so that we can help keep your communities safe.”