Tire deflation device used to stop stolen vehicle, arrest suspect

A 24-year-old was arrested in a stolen truck investigation near Lac La Biche and found to have 69 outstanding warrants.

The Eastern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (EAD CRU) assisted the Lac La Biche RCMP with the recovery of a stolen vehicle, taken from Boyle. It was stolen early on Thursday, Oct. 5. 

RCMP said they located the vehicle southwest of the Lac La Biche area as it was entering multiple rural properties. A tire deflation device was used by RCMP, which successfully disabled the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle fled the immediate area on foot, but was located a short distance away by Police Dog Services (PDS).

As a result of the investigation, 24-year-old Tristin Aaron Buchan of no fixed address, has been charged with 10 offences, some of which include:

• Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000
• Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle
• Operating a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited
• Resisting Arrest
• Fail to Comply with Release Conditions (x5)

In addition to the charges above, Buchan was wanted on 69 outstanding charges out of Ontario and Edmonton for property related offences.

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Buchan was remanded into custody to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on Oct. 11, 2023.

“This is another example of the Alberta RCMP’s ability to bring resources together quickly to combat rural crime. Through the team work of the Lac La Biche RCMP Detachment, St. Paul PDS, the Eastern Alberta District CRU coordinated by the RCMP K Division Real Time Operation Centre (RTOC) this accused was taken into custody quickly before he could continue to offend,” said Sgt. Mike Dunsmore of EAD CRU.