Ponoka RCMP confirmed in a release that the vehicle that was found on fire in Riverside last week was indeed stolen, and they are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect.
The small blue car was reported stolen to the Ponoka RCMP on Nov. 2, at 11:41 a.m., and after being called out to the vehicle fire on Nov. 3, at around 9:06 a.m., it was determined it was the same vehicle that had been stolen the day before.
The vehicle was stolen from the area of 46 Ave. and was found in flames north of 46 St. on the central east side of town.
READ MORE: Car fire in Riverside, Ponoka deemed suspicious
Ponoka RCMP attended the scene, along with the Ponoka Fire Department who were able to extinguish the fire. Because of the fire was extinguished quickly, the vehicle remained identifiable.
The Ponoka Fire Department determined that the cause of the vehicle fire was arson.
Two independent witnesses observed a male walking away from the vehicle just prior to it igniting, describing his behaviour as very suspicious.
The male suspect reportedly kept looking back at the vehicle before it was on fire.
The suspect has been described as having a light complexion and is thought to be about 5’ 8” tall. He was said to have been wearing a dark coloured hoodie, dark coloured pants and dark shoes and the time.
Ponoka RCMP are asking the public for any relevant video footage of recordings of the incidents.
They ask anyone with footage of the theft of the vehicle on Nov. 2 or the vehicle arson captured between the hours of 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2021, to contact the Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
“Together with the members of the community we serve, Ponoka RCMP remains focused and committed to reducing crimes against persons and their property,” said Sgt. Erin St-Cyr, operations NCO, in a release.