Man allegedly steals $220K motorhome and Islay fire truck arrested by RCMP

A model of the motorhome stolen by the alleged suspect. Image: Vermilion RCMP. 

A Heinsburg man is facing charges after police linked him to a theft of a motorhome and a local fire truck.

On Monday, Feb. 26, at 9:00 a.m., Kitscoty RCMP received a report of a break and enter to a business on Auto Road in Kitscoty. Upon investigation, it was determined that at some point between Feb. 23-25, an Ambassador Motorhome valuing $220,000 was stolen.

The next day, the motorhome was seen driving between Vermilion, Kitscoty, and Lloydminster.

RCMP made attempts to pull the vehicle over, but to no avail.

Vermillion RCMP were conducting patrols in attempts to locate the motorhome when a tip was received from the public that it was in Mannville. At 9:30 p.m. coordination of the Lloydminster General Investigations Section, Lloydminster Police Dog Services, Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit and Lloydminster, Kitscoty and Vermilion RCMP led to the motorhome being recovered and the arrest of the driver. 

As a result of this investigation, Baily Devon Paranteau (25), resident of Heinsburg, has been charged with:

• Flight from Peace officer;
• Possession of stolen property over $5,000; and
• Fail to comply x3.

At the time of his arrest, Paranteau was also charged with multiple criminal code offences out of Lloydminster for failing to comply, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and flight from peace officer. These offences occurred between Feb. 22. 28, in the Lloydminster area.

Paranteau was also charged with multiple criminal code offences out of Kitscoty from Feb. 23, in relation to a break and enter to the Islay Fire Hall and theft of fire truck. The truck has since been recovered and returned to the Fire Hall. Charges are as follows:

• Fail to comply x5; 
• Theft of motor vehicle out; and
• Break and enter.

A Judicial Interim release hearing was held for Parenteau where he was remanded in custody. He is to appear next on Mar. 4, 2024, at the Albert Court of Justice in Vermillion.

“Offenders such as these cause repeated harm to the rural communities across Alberta, tie-up significant police resources and repeatedly victimizing the public,” said Sgt. Corey Buckingham, Commanding Officer of the Vermilion RCMP Detachment. “Great work to the multiple detachments and sections that aided in the arrest of this offender.”