Police responded to a complaint at a downtown bar May 19 at 4:30 p.m. of a native male with a Mohawk and pink tape on his head, who was threatening to kill a customer. The man was reported to be carrying a large stick at the time and smelling of solvents.
Ponoka RCMP attempted to make contact with him but he walked away toward the Battle River as they approached. Police then received two more complaints of a man swimming in the river entreating witnesses not to call the police.
He was eventually caught and arrested for causing a disturbance. Police report they could still smell the paint thinner on the man after his brief dip.
Speeder claims immunity
A Jordanian man claimed diplomatic immunity to police May 15 at 7:30 p.m. after being stopped on Highway 2A at the 7/11 for driving at a high rate of speed.
He claimed he had immunity as his father works with the Jordanian embassy. He was still arrested and charged with dangerous driving and released with a promise to appear in court.
Passing the sheriff
A sheriff stopped a 21-year-old driver after he waved to the officer while he passed him southbound on Highway 2 near Ponoka. The driver’s 1997 Toyota Camry was found to be unregistered and there was 10 grams of marijuana in the vehicle.
The driver was charged with possession of marijuana.
Throwing beer cans
A sheriff on a motorcycle had used a laser to obtain the speed of a vehicle pulling a trailer on Highway 2 northbound and found the driver to be travelling at 135 km/h.
The officer pulled out onto the highway to stop the driver when a beer can was thrown out of the vehicle and hit the motorcycle. The driver was issued a speeding ticket and transportation of open liquor.
RCMP also issued a 24-hour suspension and the vehicle and trailer was towed.
Dirt bike stolen
A Suzuki dirt bike was stolen from a garage on 40 Avenue and 44 Street on May 16 between 5 and 8 a.m. The suspect removed the rear window of the garage to take the bike. It was later found and returned to the owner on 46 Street. Police are looking for suspects.
Stolen lawn tractor
The owner of an acreage on Township Road 414 and Range Road 261 had come to her home May 16 at noon to find her shed broken into. A Kubota garden tractor, loader, blade, mower and sprayer for the tractor were all stolen. Police are investigating possible leads.
Chevy truck stolen
Between the evening of May 16 and morning of May 17 a 1988 blue Chevy truck was stolen from a residence on 45 Street and 37 Avenue and was later found in town. The doors were locked. There was no obvious damage to the steering column and the truck was returned to the owner.
Theft from drugstore
A 17-year-old native girl has been given alternative measures being caught for stealing a $79 bottle of perfume May 17 at 10:15 a.m. She will be required to write a 200-word essay on how theft affects the victims as well as write a letter of apology to the store.
Theft from downtown store
A 40-year-old woman has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing clothing from a downtown store. She had driven away in a 2002 blue Dodge Caravan and stuffed the clothing in her purse. The suspect was released with a promise to appear in court.
Sheriff follows 190 km/h speeder
A sheriff on a motorcycle watched a green Dodge Charger enter Highway 2 southbound from Highway 2A on May 20. The officer followed the driver who proceeded to drive in excess of 190 km/h before the driver realized he was being followed the entire time.
Check Stop
Ponoka Integrated Traffic Services conducted a Check Stop on May 18 at 11 p.m. near Elkhorn Road. A driver of a white 2011 Ford F150 has been charged with impaired driving after failing the roadside test.
Smashed store window
The front door window of the Bargain Shop was smashed by suspects sometime between 9:20 p.m of May 20 and 9 a.m. of May 21. Entry was not gained to the store though as the window was not completely broken through.
The front door was also egged the next evening.
Police are looking for suspects.
Vehicle egged
Sometime between midnight and 10 a.m. of May 20 the rear driver’s side window was smashed on a 2001 Chevy Malibu on 48 Avenue and 51 Street. It was also egged. Police do not have any other information on the crime.
Impaired driver with child in vehicle
A 42-year-old Hobbema man has been charged with impaired driving after he gave breath samples of .26 and .24 on May 20 between 3 and 6 p.m. Witnesses reported the man was speeding and weaving between lanes on Highway 2A northbound. There was also an 11-year-old child in the vehicle. He has been released with conditions as he has also been charged elsewhere.
Assault on woman
On May 20 at 11 p.m. police responded to a call of a fight at a residence on 60 Avenue and 51 Street. Upon arrival it as determined a 36-year-old man had pushed and held a 35-year-old woman against a wall. He was arrested and charged with assault.
Theft from vehicle
It appears suspects were able to enter a 2002 Nissan Altima on 45 Street and 37 Avenue through an open sunroof May 21 between 12:30 and 1 p.m. There was no damage to the vehicle but loose change and cheques were taken. A fingerprint was also found on the sunroof.
Know your renovation company
Ponoka RCMP and Service Alberta are warning homeowners to be wary of home renovation and construction companies that are soliciting business door to door.
Residents should be cautious with companies they are unfamiliar with, particularly if they insist on receiving payment up front. If considering renovations or hiring a contractor, RCMP suggest referring to the following website for hiring tips: www.servicealberta.ca. Follow the links through consumer information, tip sheets, housing and home renovations.
If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye