RCMP charge three people after homeowner chased them, believing fuel was stolen

While RCMP did not lay charges relating to theft of fuel, the series of weapons seized resulted in charges. Police remind the public to not chase offenders.

On Tuesday morning at 8:15am the Bonnyville RCMP received a call from someone near Highway 881 that he had located a U-Haul on his property and three suspicious individuals he suspected had been stealing fuel from his yard.

The suspects fled in the U-Haul and homeowner gave chase while RCMP were en route, police said.

RCMP directed the homeowner to pull over and not chase the U-Haul.

The U-Haul was located by RCMP on Highway 660 near Franchere.

A Crossbow and firearms case were noted by the officer who arrested the three occupants without incident.  A subsequent search of the U-Haul uncovered a rifle and other weapons.

RCMP they don’t have enough evidence to charge the trio with theft of fuel, they are being held accountable for the firearm, crossbow and other weapons including additional composite bows, a long gun pellet gun, an air soft pistol and a medieval style axe.

A 40 year old male from Cold Lake is charged with Possession of Weapons contrary to Order and Possession of a Firearm when Unauthorized.  He is set to appear in Court on December 6^th.

A 42 year old male and a 27 year old female, both from Bonnyville are charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm.  They are set to appear in Court November 1^st.

During the search of the U-Haul a stack of mail belonging to residents of Warspite was located.  It was determined via the Smoky Lake Post Office that it had just been stolen that morning.

The 27 year old female is additionally charged with Possession of Matters Stolen from Mail.

The Bonnyville RCMP would like to remind the public that chasing suspects is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.

“Chasing suspects puts the life of the property owner and other motorists and nearby residents at risk, especially when it turns out the suspects are in possession of weapons.”