A prank call of a kidnapping last week had youths in hot water with police on Valentine’s Day.
A male youth received a text stating that his girlfriend was kidnapped and abductors demanded $50,000 cash as a ransom. The boy called the phone back and heard a man’s voice in the background demanding money. He called the police over concern for her safety.
Ponoka RCMP acted quickly and conducted a high-risk arrest at a local fast food restaurant. Investigations revealed that the girlfriend and her friend were conducting a prank on the boyfriend.
Officers had a lengthy discussion with the youths over the inherent dangers of conducting a prank of this nature. No one was charged and there was no risk to the public during the event.
Three suspects charged in multiple thefts
Ponoka RCMP were able to pin several theft charges on three individuals after a tip from a local store.
One charge relates to the theft of speakers from a downtown store Tuesday, Feb. 10 valued at $320. Police were told that two men and two women entered the store and one man and one woman walked out with the speakers.
The next day police received a call from staff at a local dealership who recognized the two women from wanted posters. Police arrested a 29-year-old woman and 27-year-old woman from Maskwacis and were able to determine the 29-year-old was involved in a theft from a drugstore recently.
One male suspect has also been identified in a theft from a liquor store.
Impaired driver flees officers
An impaired driver’s attempt to flee members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit on Valentine’s Day did not go as planned.
Officers received calls of a 2007 Ford F350 weaving in and out of traffic and travelling at speeds in excess of 150 Km/h southbound on Highway 2.
Once sheriffs caught up with the vehicle, they activated their emergency lights and the driver subsequently sped up and fled form police.
He was eventually found in Blackfalds where local RCMP arrested him for failing to stop for police. He failed a roadside test and provided two blood alcohol samples of .12 and .11 at the Blackfalds detachment.
Police charge man for assault
A 911 hang up call resulted in charges of assault on a 44-year-old Ponoka man Friday, Feb. 13.
After receiving the 911 hang up call, police determined the address of the home in Ponoka, where they subsequently found a 39-year-old woman and three young boys attempting to leave the home.
After trying to stop the woman from leaving, police ordered the man to return to the home. He is reported to have been intoxicated and had trouble understanding their requests. He was arrested and taken to the detachment where he remained uncooperative with officers.
The man was released with a promise to appear in court.
Maskwacis RCMP search home for drugs
A search of a Maskwacis home Feb. 11 yielded illegal substances including marijuana, cocaine and cash.
Police, along with the community response unit and police dog services also found drug paraphernalia in the home on the Samson town site.
Three individuals were arrested and charged: Waylan Soosay was charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine and possession of property obtained by crime.
Two adults, whose names were not released, were charged with possession of marijuana.
Ponoka RCMP and Integrated Traffic Unit took 72 calls for service last week.
If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.