A Red Deer man faces charges of possession of a controlled substance after being pulled over by police.
The man was driving a 2004 silver Chevy Malibu Jan. 11 at 2 a.m. when police say he cut-off an officer. The officer noticed damage to the left front fender of the Malibu when the man was pulled over. It is reported there was an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and a quick search resulted in 12 grams of marijuana under the front passenger’s seat.
The driver provided a blood-alcohol breath sample, which resulted in a caution. His vehicle was seized for seven days and the man received a 30-day suspension as he had a graduated driver’s licence. There was a 20-year-old woman passenger in the vehicle.
Sudden death
A 65-year-old Ponoka man was found dead on his ATV Jan. 7 at approximately 11 a.m. on Range Road 255 and Township Road 452. The cause of death is unknown but police do not believe foul play was a factor.
Vehicle fire helps catch car thief
Police and members of the Ponoka Fire Department responded to a call of a vehicle on fire Jan. 8 at 6:30 a.m. at the off-ramp of Highway 2 leading to Highway 53.
The driver, a 27-year-old man from Wetaskiwin, had left the scene but was found a short time later. It is reported that the man was offering people $100 to drive him to Wetaskiwin.
While firefighters were quelling the flames, a 24-year-old woman from Wetaskiwin, who was a passenger in the vehicle, stayed at the scene. She reported a false name to officers.
Investigations by police showed that the vehicle, a black 2013 Dodge Ram, was reported stolen from Wetaskiwin. The man had warrants for his arrest and was charged with possession of stolen property and failing to comply with probation. The woman was charged with possession of stolen property and obstructing a police officer.
Man threatens suicide
A 19-year-old Ponoka man has been charged with uttering threats after threatening to kill himself and his ex-girlfriend with a knife.
The man was in his ex’s house on 63 Avenue Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. when police arrived. He had allegedly held the knife to the victim’s neck and there was a child in the home at the time.
The man was arrested for uttering threats and under the Mental Health Act. He was released with a promise to appear in court and was taken to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre for assessment.
Woman refused treatment
EMS staff called the police for assistance in dealing with a 70-year-old woman with sores and lacerations on her legs.
It is reported that the woman was not caring for herself and refused treatment of her ailments. She was arrested under the Mental Health Act and taken to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre for treatment and assessment.
Treacherous roads last week
Icy roads were a big reason for mostly minor collisions last week. Police and emergency crews dealt with more than 10 collisions; one involved a jackknifed semi-tractor that closed Highway 2 southbound for almost three hours.
Blowing snow helped create icy road conditions Jan. 11 at 7 a.m. when a semi-tractor jackknifed, which blocked the southbound lanes of Highway 2 just north of Ponoka. To avoid a collision with the truck, the driver of a 2008 Honda CRV drove into the median but still managed to collide with the front of the truck.
There were two occupants in the vehicle and one had to be extricated but they are both believed to have sustained minor injuries.
While clearing the road, police say a northbound SUV rolled and officers provided assistance. A baby was freed from the vehicle but both the driver and baby received no injuries.
Snow removal in Ponoka
Police have received calls of abandoned vehicles parked in areas that are set for snow clearing. Police advice people to move their vehicles designated snow removal areas. Car owners could receive tickets or be towed at their expense.
RCMP officer from Ponoka stable
One of the Mounties injured in a shoot-out last week in Tofield, Cpl. Travis Ogilvie of Ponoka, remains in hospital but is reported to be in stable condition. His wife, Leah Ogilvie, reported in a Facebook message that Travis is doing well and the well-wishes from Ponoka residents are appreciated.
If you have information on any crime, call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.