A young Ponoka man died last week in a late-night collision between a Ford Crown Victoria and a Chevy Silverado.
RCMP say Brandon Schur, 20, was a passenger in the truck northbound on Range Road 262 when the pickup crossed onto Highway 53 in front of the car July 9 at 11:30 p.m. The car was westbound on Highway 53 and collided with the right rear side of the pickup, which rolled and landed on its roof on the northwest ditch.
There were four people in the pickup, three in the car, and two had to be extricated by firefighters. Police say Schur was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from his seat and two people received serious injuries from the collision. Ambulances from Ponoka, Hobbema and Rimbey were brought in to assist and Schur was transported to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre but succumbed to his injuries.
Victim Services was called to provide assistance and counselling.
The 21-year-old driver of the Silverado told police he believed the car was behind him when he pulled onto the highway. After some questioning by police, the truck driver provided a breath sample, which indicated a caution. Police arrested and charged him with careless driving. A collision analyst was called to investigate the scene.
Drug bust
An 11-month investigation resulted in the arrest of three Ponoka residents the morning of July 12. A search of a home in the Poplar Grove Trailer Park found 12 ounces of marijuana, an ounce of cocaine, shooting stars, knives and drug paraphernalia. A 38-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man and a 19-year-old man have all been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking. One man is also facing additional weapons charges. The drugs have a street value of approximately $3,500.
Theft from workplace
Three people have been arrested after working together to steal money from a Ponoka bar July 10.
An 20-year-old woman who worked at the bar, conspired to leave keys to a cash box while she and her 19-year-old boyfriend went outside for a cigarette break. Her 20-year-old male friend then took cash from the box. Police recognized him from video surveillance and he was subsequently arrested.
The employee, boyfriend and 20-year-old were charged with theft over $5,000. The boyfriend was remanded in custody.
Cash bail was set for the 20-year-old and another 18-year-old also involved.