OLDS — A 52-year-old Wetaskiwin woman is due in court in Didsbury on June 2, to face five charges after a chase across Red Deer County involving several police detachments and help from rural residents.
The incident began at about 3:05 p.m. May 5 when Olds RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious male carrying two chainsaws who ran towards a U-Haul vehicle, jumped in it, and then “dangerously fled the area,” police said in a news release issued Tuesday.
RCMP officers located the U-Haul vehicle and attempted to stop it on Highway 587, when it drove into the Red Lodge Provincial Park entrance/exit gate, damaging the gate, police said.
Innisfail and Didsbury RCMP, as well as police dog services, also responded in an attempt to locate and stop the vehicle.
At 3:44 p.m., Olds RCMP received another complaint that a farmer’s land was damaged, along with other wire fencing on several properties.
Police said the U-Haul was located on Range Road (Rge. Rd.) 12 and Highway 587, with the female driver walking southbound on Rge. Rd. 12, away from the U-Haul.
"RCMP quickly arrested the driver and continued a search for other suspects who were inside that vehicle," police said.
Shortly afterward, police said neighbours and residents of the area assisted the RCMP with information leading to the arrest of other suspects believed to be involved.
RCMP conducted a search of the U-Haul and found property alleged to have been stolen, including a tool bag and the two chainsaws.
Judith White, 52, a of Wetaskiwin, was arrested and charged with the following:
• mischief under $5,000,
• possession of stolen property,
• flight from a peace officer,
• dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and
• trafficking identity.
After a judicial interim release hearing, White was released from custody to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in in Didsbury on June 2.
“Olds RCMP remains fully committed in building safer communities by working in partnership with our community, as well as through investigative and enforcement efforts, to achieve this goal,” police said.
“Olds RCMP would like to thank neighbouring RCMP detachments who assisted during this operation, as well as the members of the public. The investigation continues.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Olds RCMP at 403-556-3324.
People wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
