The following is an excerpt of some of the calls the Ponoka RCMP detachment responded to from Sept. 20 to Oct. 20.
Sept. 20 – Ponoka RCMP responded to a report of a female passed out behind the Shoppers Drug Mart. Members attended and located an intoxicated female who was also extremely cold. EMS checked on the female who was then treated and transported to the hospital.
Sept. 23 – A local male called police multiple times reporting there was a group of six or seven males all dressed in black trying to get into his balcony and fight him. Members made extensive patrols and neighbour inquiries but all were unsuccessful. While a member was parked outside the residence another report was made that the males had returned and were attempting to climb into his balcony again. The member did not observe anybody in the area or see anyone trying to climb the balcony. The male was warned about making false reports to the police.
Sept, 24 – Members responded to the Dollarama store following a report of a robbery. Morning staff had entered the store and started their opening procedure when two masked individuals inside the store approached the staff, demanding money, phones and purses. The masked individuals attempted to enter the safe with a grinder but were unsuccessful. They eventually left the building and police were called. The investigation is pending.
Sept. 25 – A feline fiasco left one cat without the company of its siblings amidst a custody dispute. Police offered suggestions to help the owners navigate through the furry waters of custody court.
Sept. 26 – Police were contacted by CP railway workers who reported finding a body laying near the train tracks. Members attended and secured the scene. Multiple resources were called in and a full investigation was initiated and continues.
Sept. 27 – A concerned citizen reported travelling on Highway 2A when he spotted a small fire in the ditch. The traveller stopped to extinguish the fire when a voice from the nearby bushes called out to him and wanted to fight. The male returned to his vehicle and contacted police who attended but were unable to locate anyone in the area.
Sept. 29 – Ponoka RCMP received a report of two males, approximately 20 years old, dressed in black and carrying a pair of bolt cutters. A member was in the area when the call came in and immediate patrols were made, but no persons were located.
Oct. 2 – Two intoxicated males were sitting on a bench near the Scout Hall. When police arrived the two males were found consuming alcohol. The two males were directed to dump out the alcohol and go home. One of the males walked away but continued to be belligerent towards the general public. The male was then provided accommodation for the evening to sober up and calm down.
Oct. 5 - Members attended a report of a vehicle fire in the area of 53 Ave. Upon arrival, a vehicle was found fully engulfed. The fire department attended and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Oct. 9 – Members were alerted to a suspicious vehicle in the Morningside area. The complainant provided a plate number that, when checks were made, showed as a stolen vehicle. The complainant also reported that two people had exited the vehicle and ran away while a female remained passed out inside. Members attended and arrested the female. Charges are pending.
Oct. 16 – As if hitting a deer with your vehicle wasn’t bad enough. This young motorist hit a deer, stopped his vehicle and got out, only to discover flames coming from under the vehicle. Ponoka fire/rescue attended but the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames.
Oct. 18 – RCMP received a report of vandalism to the cenotaph next to the Ponoka Drop-in Centre. Members attended and observed spray painting on one side of the cenotaph. The Town of Ponoka was advised, but no further evidence was available to assist in identifying the suspect(s).
Oct. 19 – Ponoka RCMP received multiple reports of a male walking around with a machete. One witness saw the male swinging the machete in the air. Members patrolled the area and located the male who was subsequently arrested and the weapon seized.
Oct. 20 – Ponoka RCMP responded to a report of a male dressed in dark clothing walking in the middle of Highway 2A north bound. Patrols in the area located the male who stated that he was just trying to walk home. In the interest of safety, the male was provided a courtesy ride home.
