Pipe bomb found in traffic stop in Lac La Biche, two people wanted

The Lac La Biche RCMP have charged one person for prohibited weapons while two people are still wanted after police discovered a pipe bomb during a traffic stop.

On Aug. 8,  shortly after 7:00 p.m., the Lac La Biche RCMP initiated a police traffic stop for a traffic related offence. The vehicle stopped near 99 Avenue along 103 Street in Lac La Biche. Police located firearms in the vehicle and the driver was subsequently arrested. Further search of the vehicle revealed what appeared to be a pipe bomb. Alberta RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit was engaged and attended.

Cpl. Teri-Ann Bakker is a Media Relations Officer with the RCMP.

“The bomb that was located by police has been destroyed by our explosive disposal unit safely, there’s no further risk to the public whatsoever,” Cpl. Bakker told Lakeland Connect.

The driver, Janet Melissa Richards, 34, of Conklin, was arrested and is facing the following charges:

• Failure to obey traffic control device
• Driving while unauthorized
• Transporting liquor in an open container
• Possession of explosive substance without lawful excuse,
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose x 2
• Unauthorized possession of firearm x 2 and
• Unauthorized possession in motor vehicle x 2

Richards was held for an in-custody hearing and has since been released on conditions. She is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 30 at 10:00 a.m., in Lac La Biche.

Warrants for arrest have been issued for the two passengers who departed the scene prior to grounds for arrest. The Lac La Biche RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance on locating:

1. Calvin Stanley Ballantyne, 39, of Conklin, Alta. Ballantyne is described as:

· Height: 5’6”

· Weight: 180 pounds

· Hair colour: Black

· Eye colour: Brown

· Identifying marks: tattoos of letters on neck, feline on chest, dragon on left arm.

· Known to frequent areas in Lac La Biche and Conklin, Alta.

2. Suzie Amanda Cardinal, 40, of Lac La Biche, Alta. Cardinal is described as:

· Height: 5’ 3”

· Weight: 120 pounds

· Hair colour: Brown

· Eye colour: Brown

· Known to frequent areas in Lac La Biche and Conklin, Alta.

The Lac La Biche RCMP’s investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about this or any other crime in our community, please contact Lac La Biche RCMP at 780-623-4012 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca