A Two Hills man was caught stealing a vehicle and is facing charges.

On May 9, at 8:40 a.m., Kitscoty RCMP received a complaint of a theft of vehicle in progress in the area of Range Road 40 and Township Road 500, in the County of Vermilion River.

Officers attended the location and determined the vehicle involved had been discarded and one male fled the area on foot.

With assistance from Kitscoty Crime Reduction Unit, Vermilion RCMP and Lloydminster Police Dog Services, containment was established in the vicinity of where the accused was last seen. RCMP then received a call from a concerned citizen regarding a male in their yard that matched the description of the suspect.

The individual was then located and taken into custody without incident. As a result of the investigation, the stolen vehicle was recovered.

Andrew Baron (33), a resident of Two Hills, Alta., was arrested and charged with the following:

• Possession of Stolen Property over $5000
• Drive While Unauthorized contrary to the Traffic Safety Act

Baron was released on an appearance notice with court set for June 20, 2023, at Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster, Alta.

“In this case, a call from a concerned citizen regarding the suspicious male significantly sped up the process to locate and apprehend the individual. I continue to encourage area residents to contact the police for suspicious persons and vehicles.” Says Sgt. Corey Buckingham, Vermilion RCMP Detachment Commander (formerly Kitscoty Detachment Commander).