Ponoka RCMP had a busy week during the Ponoka Stampede. More than 140 people were taken into cells, mostly for public intoxication, and 20 were charged. Staff Sgt. Cameron Chisholm said Mounties were “fully engaged in their duties.”
Stolen goods recovered
Police have recovered items stolen from approximately 20 cars in Ponoka. RCMP caught a 21-year-old man with no fixed address.
The man followed a specific route in town and was living in a tent near the Hudson’s Green Activity Centre where the items were stored. He was caught June 25 and was charged with possession of stolen property, theft, and break and enter.
Shop owner assaulted
A shop owner on Highway 2A had to be treated for minor injuries after an altercation with a 23-year-old customer June 26. The woman entered the store with a 20-year-old woman, a 26-and a 22-year-old man who allegedly made racial slurs to the proprietor.
As a result of the altercation, both the owner and customer were taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries. Police apprehended the individuals a short time later.
Charges of assault are pending against three of the people and a 22-year-old man has pending charges of possession of a weapon. He carried a switchblade. The 26-year-old man is from Ponoka and the others are from Edmonton.
Police attacked
Ponoka RCMP were called by a concerned person about a man with some mental health issues June 26 at 12:40 p.m. on the 3900 block of 46 Street.
Two Mounties went to the location and were subsequently attacked by the man and one was bitten. The use of pepper spray, and a Taser were not enough to stop the 32-year-old man. They had to use physical force to restrain him. He was charged with assault on a police officer, attempt to disarm an officer and with resisting/obstructing a police officer.
Sexual activity on front lawn
Police responded to a call of suspicious activity July 1 at 3 a.m. RCMP found a young man and woman on the front lawn engaged in sexual activity.
They were arrested for public intoxication.
Impaired drivers
Ponoka RCMP had six impaired drivers and three 24-hour suspensions during the week. One driver tested with a blood alcohol level of .29 milligrams/per cent.
Graffiti at Scout Hall
Not long after repainting older graffiti at the Scout Hall, more has been painted on the building. It was reported to police June 26 at 8 a.m. with the words “You can’t get rid of me.”
RCMP are looking for the culprit.
Liquor theft
A liquor store on Highway 2A reported to police June 26 that two men stole six bottles of vodka from the store June 25 at 10 p.m.
Man assaulted
A man was assaulted June 29 at 4 p.m. and was left with a bloody face, cuts, and bruises on him, but he was unable to say who the suspects were.
He was found unconscious on the 5200 block of 50 Street.
Beer gardens assault
Police are looking for a 40- or 50-year-old native male who allegedly punched a woman in the face at the rodeo beer gardens June 30 at 2 a.m. The altercation started after the man took the woman’s pop, after which she took it back and an altercation ensued. He is overweight with glasses and braids.
The woman had minor injuries and did not need to visit the hospital.
Youth steals alcohol
A 15-year-old youth has been charged with theft after stealing alcohol at the Stampede campground and storing it in a tent. He was observed running through the campground and subsequently caught by police July 1 at 6 a.m.
Complaint of sexual assault
Ponoka RCMP responded to an allegation of sexual assault July 1 at 11 p.m. A suspect was located shortly after and was taken into custody for questioning. He was later released and the matter is under investigation.
Break and enter
Police are looking for suspects involved in a break and enter at a business July 1 at 5:30 a.m. The building is located on the 4200 block of 67 Street where it was forcibly entered. An alarm went off and the culprits stole a small amount of cash from the building.
Check Stop
Integrated traffic unit conducted a Check Stop June 30 in the evening. Here are the results:
• Five vehicles towed.
• One suspended driver.
• One vehicle seized for salvage inspection.
• One careless driving.
• Three 24-hour alcohol suspensions.
• Seven no driver license.
• Four open liquor in vehicles.
Conducted mostly on Highway 53 at 67 street.
If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.