Lac La Biche man charged with weapons offences

A 49-year old man from Lac La Biche is charged with a number of weapons offences following a traffic stop by RCMP on Jan. 17.

According to a media release the Crime Reduction Unit was on patrol in the town when they located a vehicle with an unregistered license plate. The driver tried to flee but couldn’t move the vehicle because of snow and ice.

Police say the driver was under driving and weapons prohibitions at the time and arrested without incident.

During a search of the vehicle, RCMP found a concealed machete, ammunition, and what is believed to be methamphetamine.

John Patenaude is charged with driving while prohibited, weapons possession, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of an illegal substance, and flight from police.

He remains in custody and will appear in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on Feb. 1, 2021.