Bonnyville RCMP have arrested and charged a male and a female with drug and weapons offences.
On Tuesday, May 14 around 2:20 p.m., police received a report of a male and a female arguing near a vehicle on 51 St.
"When RCMP arrived, they found the vehicle to be stolen and the two suspects had left the area," explained Sgt. Kim Hillier. "They were quickly located and arrested."
Weapons and stolen credit cards were found inside of the vehicle, while a search of the suspects revealed additional stolen cards, weapons, and drugs.
"The suspects also had some outstanding warrants," Hillier noted.
Francis Meesto, a 29-year-old Onion Lake female, and 22-year-old Jeremy Hampton of Lloydminster were arrested and charged.
Meesto has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, six counts of theft, forgery, or misuse of a credit card, and two counts of failing to comply with the conditions of an undertaking or a recognizance.
Hampton was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, six counts of theft, forgery, or misuse of a credit card, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon contrary to an order, resisting or obstructing a police officer, possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed weapon, two counts of failing to comply with conditions, and driving an uninsured motor vehicle.
RCMP had located Hampton outside of the Midtown Inn.
"A constable advised he could see the female suspect in front of The Brick, she was the second one arrested," Hillier described. "That was very quick thinking because he had reviewed some security footage and was able to recognize her from that, otherwise we may not have been able to (locate her)."
Multiple trucks stolen throughout town
On May 14, between 3:30 and 7:30 a.m., RCMP received a complaint a truck had been stolen overnight.
"The complainant stated he had heard nothing, there were no witnesses, and the vehicle was stolen from 55 St. in Bonnyville," Hillier noted.
The truck was a 2005 Ford Super Duty, black in colour.
At the time of the theft, it was bearing license plate CCL 8144.
"On May 16, between 3:30 and 3:40 a.m., we had a report of the theft of a vehicle from the Days Inn Hotel on 50 Ave.," detailed Hillier.
The 1998 blue Dodge Ram 2500 at the time of the theft had license plate MG 5520.
Between the hours of midnight and 5:25 a.m. on May 16, a third truck was stolen within town limits.
The red Dodge Ram with the license plate CCD 6986 was taken from the Neighbourhood Inn.
Break and enter at Seven Lakes
The complainant of a break and enter attended the local detachment to report the May 15 incident.
Seven Lakes Oilfield Services fell victim to a break and enter after the barbed wire fence had been cut.
"It appeared someone had been rummaging through the storage area and inside one of the vehicles," outlined Hillier. "That investigation is ongoing as there was video footage available."
RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact the detachment at 780-343-7200.
Be careful this long weekend
Local police are reminding the public to consider the safety of themselves and others this long weekend.
"We want everyone to go out and have a good time this weekend, enjoy the Lakeland and the beautiful weather. Please be cognizant that excessive alcohol can lead to many different issues, sometimes with very severe consequences," stressed Hillier.
Whether it's obeying fire bans, ensuring your off-highway vehicles are registered and insured, or finding a safe ride home, local RCMP are letting the public know they will be out and about.
Hillier reminds the public to lock up their homes before leaving for the weekend and asking a friend or neighbour to check-in when they can.
The MD of Bonnyville, if notified, will also conduct frequent checks of properties within the municipality, she noted.
