Wanted Persons Located

Lac La Biche RCMP have arrested two wanted individuals in relations to a traffic stop where firearms and a pipe bomb were located on Aug.8, 2021 in Lac La Biche, Alta.

On Aug. 8, 2021 shortly after 7 p.m., 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. The item was disposed of safely.

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

• Fail to obey traffic control device
• Drive while unauthorized
• Transporting liquor in an open container
• Possess explosive substance without lawful excuse,
• Possess 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, Alta.

Warrants for arrest have been issued for the two passengers who departed the scene prior to grounds for arrest.

After nearly two months, RCMP have located and arrested Calvin Stanley Ballantyne and Suzie Amanda Cardinal, the two people believed to be the passengers in the vehicle.

Calvin Stanley Ballantyne (39) of Conklin, Alta. has been charged with:

• Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose (x2)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
• Fail to comply (x6)
• Possession of weapon contrary to order (x4)
• Possess explosive substance without lawful excuse
• Unauthorized possession in motor vehicle (x2)

Suzie Amanda Cardinal (40) of Lac La Biche, Alta. has been charged with:

• Possess explosive substance without lawful excuse
• Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose (x2)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
• Unauthorized possession in motor vehicle (x2)
• Fail to comply (x7)

Ballantyne and Cardinal were both remanded into custody following a remand hearing and are scheduled to appear in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on Oct. 4, 2021.