Ponoka RCMP reeled in a different, unexpected fish during a recent investigation.
While searching for a suspect at a residence in Ponoka on Sept. 25, a male from Castor, who turned out to have several outstanding warrants, walked up to members and starting chatting with them.
At about 1 p.m., Ponoka RCMP members were attending a residence in the area of 51 St. and 52 Ave., in an attempt to locate a suspect with an outstanding warrant.
While in the area, police observed a truck that pulled into the parking lot unrelated to their investigation. A male exited the truck, started looking around the property and engaged in conversation with the officers.
Officers conducted checks on the truck licence plate and VIN number and determined the licence plate was stolen out of Edmonton. Further investigation determined that the truck was stolen out of Red Deer.
William Russell Johnston, 42, of Castor, Alta. was arrested on seven outstanding warrants relating to Criminal and Traffic Safety Act charges.
Johnston is facing multiple additional charges, including two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, obstructing a peace officer, and six counts of failure to comply with a release order.
Johnston was also charged with driving while unauthorized under the Traffic Safety Act.
Following a judicial hearing, Johnston was remanded into custody and was scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on Sept. 28, 2021.
“Crime reduction continues to be a policing priority for Ponoka RCMP and this is an excellent demonstration of the proactive police work being done in the community of Ponoka by our members,” said Sgt. Erin St.-Cyr in a press release.
The Ponoka RCMP encourages the public to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tip.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app.