A 29-year-old man faces multiple charges after a lengthy pursuit by Airdrie RCMP north on Highway 2 past Red Deer Monday night with assistance from neighbouring detachments including Didsbury, Olds and Innisfail.
On Aug. 11, at 9 p.m., Airdrie RCMP received a request to assist Calgary Police Service (CPS) with a stolen vehicle investigation.
According to a news release issued Wednesday, police said CPS indicated that the vehicle was stolen at approximately 4:40 p.m. from the 2400 block of 24A Street S.W. in Calgary.
"When the vehicle was taken, there was a dog inside, however, the suspect let the dog go and it made its way home safely," police said.
The stolen vehicle was then believed to be in Airdrie.
Extensive patrols were made and the stolen vehicle, described as a 2007 Black Acura TSX, was located driving northbound on Highway 2.
Police said officers then covertly followed the stolen vehicle north on Highway 2.
"At one point, the stolen vehicle began driving northbound in the southbound lanes going at an excessive speed," police said, adding there was minimal traffic on the highway at the time.
"Then the suspect vehicle became stuck and officers were able to block it in. The driver and sole occupant was arrested," police said.
Highway 2 southbound was closed for a short period of time while the suspect was taken into custody.
Police said the driver was transported by ambulance to hospital in Ponoka for minor injuries, but was discharged.
Due to assistance from the RCMP Real Time Operations Centre (RTOC), multiple support units were called in "and were instrumental in the successful resolution of this incident," police said.
Assistance was provided by RCMP officers from Olds, Didsbury, Innisfail, Sylvan Lake, Ponoka, Blackfalds, and Red Deer, as well as Calgary, Red Deer and Wetaskiwin Police Dog Services. CPS HAWCS also assisted.
Airdrie RCMP Inspector Lauren Weare said the incident demonstrated how all agencies work together for a common goal.
"Teamwork ensured the suspect was safely taken into custody and no one was hurt. Alberta RCMP remains fully committed in building safer communities by working in partnership with our communities and policing partners," Weare explained. "Airdrie RCMP works side by side with CPS on multiple investigations and we have a great working relationship.”
Twenty-nine year-old Jesse James McFawn, a resident of Sherwood Park, has been charged with the following:
• dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
• flight from police;
• drive while prohibited;
• breach of release order; and
• possession of stolen property over $5,000.
After a judicial interim release hearing, McFawn was remanded into custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka on Aug. 15.
