Two females took the bait after stealing an RCMP bait vehicle earlier this month.
“A bait vehicle is a vehicle owned by the RCMP that’s parked in a location with a GPS tracker, cameras inside, and the ability for us to kill the engine remotely so we can bring it to a safe resolution without having to spike belt it or chase it,” explained Sgt. Sarah Parke, acting detachment commander of the Bonnyville RCMP.
The local detachment was using one of these vehicles on Aug. 1, when 31-year-old Danielle Wilkins of Cold Lake and Traylene Whitstone, 30 of Cold Lake First Nations stole the truck and were arrested shortly after.
During a search, they found a prohibited conducted energy weapon, methamphetamine, cannabis hash, and controlled prescription drugs.
Whitstone has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, breaching probation, two counts of breaching a recognizance, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
“The video showed she wasn’t wearing it when she stole the truck,” added Parke.
Wilkins has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis resin, unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon knowing it’s unauthorized, four counts of breaching a recognizance, distracted driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, driving without a license, possession of a schedule one drug, carrying a concealed weapon, and driving an uninsured motor vehicle on a highway.
Both suspects are scheduled to appear in Bonnyville Provincial Court Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Information gained as a result of the investigation, led RCMP to a Kehewin residence.
On Aug. 2, RCMP executed a search warrant of the property and have charged a 42-year-old Bonnyville man as a result.
James Wilgus is facing possession of a weapon contrary to an order, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and four counts of breaching a recognizance charges.
Wilgus is currently being sought by police, and anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Bonnyville RCMP at 780-343-7200 or Crime Stoppers.
Making a mess at Mudfest
On Sunday, Aug. 26, around 6 p.m., local RCMP were called to Mudfest regarding two individuals who were driving their vehicles, speeding around, and believed to be impaired.
According to Parke, the drivers were almost hitting people, and when anyone tried to stop them, it seemed as though they would intentionally try to run into them.
Event security managed to detain one driver, before calling RCMP assist.
A 21-year-old Edmonton male has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and a 21-year-old Bonnyville male has been charged with careless driving.
