On June 28 at approximately 3 a.m. Ponoka RCMP were conducting regular patrols when a dark coloured GMC truck was observed to be driving at a high rate of speed into the north campground area from Highway 53.
Police followed the vehicle into the campground where they observed a man exiting the truck from the driver’s side and walk behind a camper.
The man tried to hide. Police apprehended the male as he was exhibiting signs of impairment. He was transported back to the Ponoka detachment and provided two blood-alcohol samples both over .2, almost three times the legal limit.
An 18-year-old man from Lacombe was charged with impaired driving.
Alcohol, food stolen from campground
On July 1 the Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of theft from the family camping area by the Stampede Grounds.
Four suspects stole approximately $100 worth of alcohol and food. The suspects were apprehended and arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.
Side-by-side injury
On July 1 the Ponoka RCMP responded to an injury accident on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds.
The driver of a side by side Gator was backing out of an area that contained a large number of people.
When the driver backed up the ATV it moved backwards at a high rate of speed and struck a pedestrian who was close by and ran over top of him. The pedestrian was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Stuck driver admits to using methamphetamine
On July 2, 2017 the Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of a suspicious person and vehicle that was on Township Road 444 and Range Road 261 in Ponoka County.
The vehicle was stuck in a seeded field. The driver of the vehicle, a 39-year-old man from Edmonton was charged with trespassing and mischief.
The male driver was sweating profusely and admitted to being impaired by methamphetamines. The male had no idea where he was, say police. He is to appear in court Aug. 29.
Stolen truck abandoned
On June 20 the Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of an abandoned truck that had been burnt on Township 440 and Range Road 251.
The truck had been stolen earlier from residence in Ponoka. File is currently under investigation.
Debit card theft
On June 24 the Ponoka RCMP received a complaint of a theft of debit card. The card had been left at the 7-Eleven in Ponoka and was stolen and used at a business in Edmonton in the amount of $1,760. File is currently under investigation.
Break and enter to business
On June 24 the Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of a break and enter to a business located in Ponoka County.
Security observed a man enter the shop numerous times. The man left on a bicycle, say police.
The suspect was wearing a black hat, red hoodie and green pants. Police apprehended the suspect a short while later and found that the bicycle was stolen and a set of keys had been removed from the business.
A youth from Maskwacis was charged with breaking and entering with intent, possession of property obtained by crime and possession of marijuana.
Rifle stolen in break and enter
On June 25 the Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of a break and enter to a garage sometime during the evening hours. An SKS rifle was stolen from a locked truck that was in the garage.
File is currently under investigation.
Pulled fire alarm
On July 1 at approximately 3:20 a.m. the Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of a fire alarm being pulled at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex.
Mounties attended and located a man who had pulled the alarm. Video surveillance shows the man walked over to the alarm and engaged it.
A 23-year-old male from Saskatoon, Sask. was arrested and charged with mischief.
Altercation at convenience store
On July 5 the Ponoka RCMP responded to a disturbance at the 7-Eleven.
The store clerk had a man pinned down on the ground after an attempted assault to the clerk, say police.
The 49-year-old suspect from Red Deer was intoxicated and became belligerent after the clerk told him to leave the premises.
The suspect got angry and knocked a cell phone from the clerk’s hand and grabbed his neck. Ponoka officers arrested the suspect for causing a disturbance and transported him to the Ponoka detachment.
Motor bike theft
On July 6 the Ponoka RCMP were called to a theft of motor bike in progress on 53 Avenue.
The complainant saw a male stealing a dirt bike. The male suspect was walking the dirt bike down the alleyway, say witnesses.
When approached the man took off running and left the bike.
The suspect is described as a Native male about 17 to 22 years old, approximately 5’10” wearing a hoodie. The Ponoka RCMP located the owner and returned the dirt bike.
If you have information, please call the Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com. 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), you may be eligible for a cash reward.