Members of the Olds RCMP, along with several policing partners, have charged one with property crime offences following several complaints from residents.
According to police, on May 5th at around 3:05 p.m., Olds RCMP received a complaint regarding a “suspicious male” who was carrying two chainsaws while running towards a UHAUL vehicle, before jumping in, and allegedly fleeing the area dangerously.
Officers managed to locate the vehicle and attempted to stop it on Highway 587, when police say it drove into the Red Lodge Provincial Park entrance, damaging the gate. Members of the Innisfail and Didsbury RCMP, along with Police Dog Services also responded to attempt to locate and stop the vehicle.
Later, at 3:44 p.m., the Olds RCMP received another complaint that a farmer’s land was damaged, along with wire fencing on several other properties. Police say the vehicle was located on Range Road 12 and Highway 587, with the female driver heading southbound on foot on Range Road 12, away from the UHAUL.
Law enforcement quickly arrested the driver and continued a search for other suspects believed to be inside the UHAUL. Shortly after, neighbours and residents of the area supplied police with the information they needed to arrest the outstanding suspects.
Police conducted a search of the UHAUL and found stolen property, including a tool bag, as well as the two stolen chainsaws.
As a result, 52-year-old Wetaskiwin resident Judith White was charged with mischief under $5,000, possession of stolen property, flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and trafficking identity. She has since been released from police custody, with her next scheduled court appearance set for June 2nd.
