Drumheller RCMP responded to a report of four persons attempting to purchase several goods at a store in Nacmine Alta., possibly in a fraudulent manner, at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2024.
A Drumheller RCMP member arrived on scene and arrested a male suspect for obstruction after false identification was provided.
During the arrest, a physical confrontation between the suspect and the officer ensued resulting in the officer receiving minor injuries.
The suspect fled the area in a 2004 white Audi A4 SUV. While fleeing, the suspect drove erratically including nearly striking a pedestrian. For public safety reasons, police did not initiate a vehicle pursuit; however, did engage multiple RCMP Detachments, RCMP support units, and Calgary Police Service.
At Approximately 2:30 p.m. Calgary Police Service arrested the suspect in northeast Calgary without further incident.
Rommel Togado, (33) of Calgary, Alta. was charged with obstruction of a peace officer, assault of a peace officer, dangerous operation of a conveyance, failing to comply with a Release Order, possession and producing identity document in others name and operating a motor vehicle while unauthorized.
Togado was remanded into custody and appeared in the Alberta Court of Justice on Jan. 31, 2024 in Didsbury, Alta. Togado remains in custody and his matters were scheduled for court in Didsbury on Feb. 5.
Drumheller RCMP continue to investigate this matter including the involvement of the other 3 persons.
Copper theft suspects
On Jan. 28, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Drumheller RCMP were notified by Brooks RCMP of a suspect pickup truck, travelling north on Hwy. 36 from the Emerson Bridge area near Duchess on Jan. 28 at approximately 9:30 a.m.; the occupants of the vehicle were believed to be responsible for the theft of copper wire from oil sites.
At approximately 11 a.m., a member of the Drumheller Rural Traffic Unit observed the suspect vehicle on Hwy. 848 near Dorothy, Alta. and conducted a traffic stop.
Three suspects were arrested and taken into custody. The suspect vehicle was searched and found to contain large amounts of copper wire and contraband cigarettes.
Matthew Johnson(43), and Melanie Jones (42), both residents of Calgary, and Domingos Dacunha (56), a resident of Wheatland County, were each charged with possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000 and possession of contraband cigarettes.
Johnson was further charged with possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000 and obstruction of a peace officer.
Jones and Dacunha were released from custody on Undertakings and are to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Mar. 22, 2024.
Johnson was also found to be on six outstanding arrest warrants. He was taken before a Justice and remanded into custody. Johnson’s next court appearance is set for Feb. 1, 2024 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Siksika.
Submitted
