A member of the Integrated Traffic Unit of the Ponoka RCMP Detachment stopped a vehicle on Wednesday, April 6 on Highway 2A by the Stampede Pawn. The 20-year-old driver of the vehicle, from Onion Lake, AB, and one male passenger in the car were arrested under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act after the member conducted a search of the vehicle because of the strong smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. File is currently under investigation.
Police are also investigating an incident of vandalism that took place in the evening hours on the same day in front of the Boys and Girls Club. During the incident, the sunroof of a vehicle was smashed. Police did not give any details of how the car was damaged, but said the file remained under investigation.
On Thursday, April 7, a red Jeep travelling eastbound on Highway 2A at the intersection of Highway 53 was spotted by a member of the Integrated Traffic Unit as the female driver of the vehicle was not wearing the seatbelt. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer also discovered that the Ponoka woman had neither her driving license, nor registration or insurance on the car. The vehicle was towed and three tickets were issued for driving uninsured on highway, for not wearing seatbelt and for improper display of motor vehicle license plate.
Later on the same day, towards midnight, RCMP responded to a report of a break-and-enter at the First Baptist Church in Ponoka. When police arrived on scene, they observed four males running from the front of the church and heading southbound through residential back yards. Two youths were caught and detained. Both youths were charged with causing a disturbance and are to appear in court at a date yet to be announced. There was no information regarding the other two suspects.
In early afternoon hours on Friday, April 8, Ponoka RCMP, Ponoka Fire and Alberta Health Services responded to a call regarding a male reported as unresponsive in an alley in the area of 55 Street and 45 Avenue. CPR was performed on the male, thought to be in his 30s, and he was transported to the Ponoka Hospital where he was revived and expected to make a full recovery. No explanation was given with regard to the ailment of the individual.
Police are looking for a Chevrolet Malibu, approximately a 2005 model, which is thought to be responsible for a hit-and-run that took place on 39 Street on Saturday, April 09. A truck parked on the street was hit on the rear driver’s side panel and pieces of the offending vehicle were left on scene. Police believe the offending vehicle should have substantial damage. File is currently under investigation.
If you have information on these or other criminal activities, 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.