On March 1, Ponoka RCMP’s Traffic Services Unit conducted a check stop in which numerous violation tickets and warnings were issued. Violations included speeding, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and vehicle equipment regulations.
On March 7, Ponoka RCMP was called upon by a male whose vehicle failed to provide safe and continuous transportation while navigating Highway 2. The individual was suddenly face-to-face with a survival situation as the relentless cold bore down on his ill-equipped clothing. In a panic, the individual reached out to the RCMP to assist him in is conundrum. Members were able to attend and assist the individual.
The individual’s relief quickly turned to sorrow as he neglected to mention to the attending officer that he was illegally carrying a firearm and recreational substances. Although the outcome was favourable for comfort and survival, the male now has a date with a judge.
In early March, Ponoka RCMP conducted a well-being check when they recognized a community member in need of help. Members observed an elderly individual attempting to exit a location where the walkway was covered in snow. The members cleared the walkway of snow and assisted the person in getting where they needed to go.
On March 10, members received a call for a vehicle on fire in rural Ponoka County. Police attended along with Ponoka County Fire Services who extinguished the fire. No VIN was visible on the vehicle. Investigation is still underway.
On March 11, Ponoka RCMP was called to a rural property. The property owner advised he could see several suspects on his property via surveillance cameras. The suspects had broken into the outbuildings on the property and helped themselves to two mini all-terrain vehicles. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this break and enter is asked to contact Ponoka RCMP.
On March 11, police received a call from the 7-11 in Ponoka where a complainant reported that his Mustang had been stolen. Members attended and reviewed surveillance footage at 7-11 as part of their investigation. Police were able to determine that the vehicle was left running with the keys in the ignition. Numerous reports were received following this theft of motor vehicle that it was driving dangerously throughout central Alberta. This vehicle was recovered later on the same day by Red Deer RCMP.
A friendly reminder from Ponoka RCMP to ensure that vehicles are not left unattended while running with keys.
On March 15, Ponoka RCMP was called to assist EMS with a collision near Crestomere School on Highway 53. Upon attending, the driver exhibited no signs of impairment and appeared to be experiencing a form of medical distress. The vehicle had been immobilized as a result of the collision. Members assisted and arranged for the vehicle to be removed.
On March 15, while making patrols near the Leland bar in Ponoka, a member conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle with expired registration. A breath sample provided by the driver resulted in a “caution,” meaning she had alcohol in her body. Her second breath sample also showed a caution. The suspect possessed a Class 7 Learner’s driver’s license only. Provincial sanctions were issued to the driver. The vehicle was towed and numerous provincial violation tickets were issued including failing to provide proof of registration and failure of supervisor of leaner to provide proof of driver’s license.
On March 16, Ponoka RCMP members on patrol were alerted by bystanders that there was an altercation at the BMO in Ponoka. Upon arrival, members discovered a male had both exposed and relieved himself inside the bank vestibule. The male was arrested by police and charged with mischief and indecent exposure.
Ponoka RCMP arrested five individuals after a firearms complaint and pursuit On March 4. At 3:20 p.m., Ponoka RCMP received a report of a shooting on 53 Street in Ponoka.
On March 20, Ponoka RCMP received information from Leduc RCMP of a vehicle heading southbound into their area on Highway 2. Numerous calls were received from drivers regarding a white Nissan Armada driving dangerously with inconsistent and high rates of speed. The vehicle was reported to be unable to remain within their lane and nearly missed hitting other vehicles on numerous occasions. Ponoka RCMP located and intercepted the suspect and initiated a traffic stop. A female driver was given a breath demand by Ponoka RCMP and failed. They have been charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle. The accused had a child in the vehicle with them at the time of the offence.