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Bashaw RCMP, Central Alberta CRU arrest Stettler canola thieves

RCMP have arrested two suspects from Stettler who allegedly stole a grain auger, a firearm and a large amount of canola from a farm in Camrose County on Sept. 28
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RCMP have arrested two suspects from Stettler who allegedly stole a grain auger, a firearm and a large amount of canola from a farm in Camrose County on Sept. 28

Bashaw RCMP received a report of the theft in the early hours of the morning. Members, with assistance from the Central Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU), deployed to the area.

At about 1:30 p.m., the Bashaw detachment was alerted to suspicious individuals attempting to sell canola. RCMP then located a vehicle and grain truck suspected in the thefts.

Bashaw RCMP and CAD CRU officers successfully arrested the driver of the vehicle in Mirror, Alta. Upon searching the vehicle, officers located a loaded 12-gauge shot gun.

At the same time, officers from RCMP CAD CRU, supported by Bashaw and Stettler RCMP, attempted to do a traffic stop with the grain truck. The driver failed to stop for officers.

Eventually, officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device on the grain truck and with the assistance of an RCMP helicopter and Police Dog Services, the driver was arrested.

As a result of the investigation, a stolen grain auger, a firearm, and a significant amount of canola was recovered.

Jesse James Lyman MacDonald, 33, a resident of Stettler, has been charged with a total of 14 charges, some of which include:

· Flight from a peace officer;

· Obstructing a peace officer;

· Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and

· Trafficking in property obtained by crime.

MacDonald has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Red Deer Provincial Court on Oct. 4.

Tristan James Ruby, 36, a resident of Stettler, has been charged with a total of 16 charges, some of which include:

· Nine counts of being unlawfully at large;

· Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and

· Trafficking in property obtained by crime.

Ruby has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Red Deer Provincial Court on Oct. 4.

As the matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released by the RCMP.