Lac La Biche – Two teenage girls were arrested after RCMP from Wood Buffalo and Lac La Biche worked together to stop a stolen vehicle that police say initially failed to stop for officers on Highway 881.

The incident began around 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 when Wood Buffalo RCMP spotted a white 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe travelling on Highway 881 south of Conklin.

Officers recognized the vehicle and knew it had been reported stolen from Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, south of Fort McMurray.

Wood Buffalo RCMP attempted to stop the vehicle, but police say the driver continued south on Highway 881.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle due to public safety concerns. Instead, Lac La Biche RCMP were alerted that the stolen vehicle was heading into their jurisdiction and had failed to stop for police.

Lac La Biche officers located the Hyundai and successfully deployed a tire deflation device.

Despite having deflated tires, the vehicle remained operable and continued to a nearby residence. Police followed and arrested the driver and passenger without incident.

The driver, a 17-year-old girl from Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, has been charged with:

• Theft of motor vehicle
• Flight from peace officer x 2
• Fail to comply with probation order x 6

The youth cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

She was initially held for a judicial interim release hearing and has since been released from custody. She is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Sept. 1.

A 15-year-old girl, also from Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants.

RCMP continue to encourage the public to report criminal or suspicious activity to police and to call 911 when a crime is in progress.