Cemetery vandals
On May 15, Ponoka RCMP responded to a report of vandalism at the Zion Christian Fellowship Church about 10 kilometres east of Ponoka on Highway 53. Roughly 20 headstones were pushed over, while others were smashed. There are tire tracks on the site, but it is not known whose they are as the church is under construction.
Arson suspected
Police and fire responded to a call of a fire at Bosco Homes on May 9 at 11:50 p.m. The fire, which is believed to be caused by a homemade Molotov cocktail, was quickly doused with a fire extinguisher. It is believed that the perpetrator threw the weapon at a window at the home. Police are still seeking the suspect.
Busy Check Stop night
On the evening of May 14, Ponoka RCMP and sheriffs performed Check Stops throughout Ponoka and charged three drivers with impaired driving, three people for drug possession and a few liquor tickets. Three child seat tickets were also handed out. One unlucky driver attempted to stop before the Check Stop and was spotted sneaking into the back seat. Members spotted the young driver and had his license suspended for one month. Police say that enforcement is to continue through the month.
ATV mishap
On May 14, at 1:44 a.m., police responded to a call of an injured man just north of Ponoka. The man had been drinking when he crashed his ATV. Police arrived on scene and seized blood from the victim for alcohol testing. The case is currently under investigation.
Disgruntled goat
Mid-week, police received a peculiar call from a residence in Morning Meadows. A goat, which had escaped from a nearby farm, approached the house and became infuriated when it saw its own reflection in the window. The goat then charged at the window, breaking it and scurrying around inside the home. Police arrived and corralled the goat by locking it in a room and tying it down. The damage to the house is estimated at $100.
Bike thefts
Police have noticed an increase in bike thefts in the area and are urging citizens to lock up all valuables in their yard to avoid property theft. If anyone has information about bike thefts in the area, they are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.