Two men are facing several charges after entering a home and stealing a vehicle.
Just before 11 a.m. on April 1, officers from the Ponoka RCMP attended a rural residence where a vehicle had been stolen following a break and enter at the home while the elderly owner was inside.
A quick investigation determined the suspects left behind a stolen van from Calgary after one suspect broke into the home, took the keys and then departed the scene in the newly stolen vehicle. Fortunately, the elderly homeowner had no interaction with the suspects.
However, the suspects weren’t on the lam long, as the pair were arrested in Breton around 45 minutes later by members of the Breton/Thorsby RCMP following a coordinated effort by the two detachments. The vehicle was also able to be returned to the owner.
Travis Aubichon, 38, and Hye Sung Ku, 29, are both facing charges of theft of vehicle, break and enter to commit theft, mischief and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
Both men — who were also subject to outstanding warrants — have since been released on conditions that include no contact with each other or the owner of the stolen vehicle and to not be in a vehicle without the registered owner.
The pair are set to appear in Breton Provincial Court on June 10 and on June 12 in Ponoka Provincial Court.
“We are still working diligently and partnering with other detachments to keep our communities safe,” said Ponoka RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Smiley.
“Crimes against the vulnerable population are reprehensible during the best of times. Today’s climate exacerbates this sentiment.”