Drumheller RCMP were alerted to a theft from Walmart on Nov. 29 at approximately 3 p.m. where the suspect stole items worth approximately $600.
A RAVE alert was sent out which detailed the offence and a description of the suspect vehicle, which was being driven by the female suspect.
A short time later, a RAVE subscriber located the suspect vehicle and contacted RCMP immediately.
As a result, a 40-year-old Drumheller female resident was located, arrested and charged. Most of the stolen goods were recovered as well.
The successful conclusion of this investigation was a direct result of the RAVE alert.
What is RAVE? The RAVE Mobile Safety App is a mass notification system used to inform the public in cases where critical communications and public safety messages are vital.
Users receive messages that are operational and educational, including BOLOs (be on the lookout), crime prevention tips, traffic safety tips and police reports.
Once a profile has been created, you will then be able to choose areas of the province you would like to receive notifications from. Alternatively, you can choose to receive updates from across the entire province.
Notifications are sent via text, voicemail or email, based on your set preferences. All user information is confidential.
Impaired/dangerous driver
Drumheller RCMP members on patrol observed a dark blue Jeep travelling at a high rate of speed through the downtown core of Drumheller on Nov. 26 at about 2:30 a.m. but were not able to initiate a traffic stop.
Soon after, complaints from the public were received alleging a dark blue Jeep was driving through intersections at high rates of speeds near pedestrians.
An investigation was launched and the vehicle was soon observed by RCMP members leaving a local lounge. A traffic stop was attempted; however, the vehicle fled from police at a high rate of speed and in a dangerous manner. For public safety reasons, the vehicle was not pursued.
At 3:22 a.m., the suspect vehicle was observed travelling west on North Dinosaur Trail in Drumheller and came to a stop for reasons that were later determined to be that it ran out of fuel.
RCMP members approached the vehicle and took the driver into custody. During the investigation, several liquor containers were found in the vehicle, the driver was found to have a suspended driver’s licence, and the driver was believed to be impaired by alcohol. The driver provided breath samples that were over twice the legal limit.
The driver, Ashtyn Verkerk (19) of Airdrie Alta., was charged with multiple offences including dangerous and impaired driving with blood alcohol level exceeding 80 mg/%; flight from police; driving while unauthorized and transporting liquor in an open container.
In addition, Verkerk was subject to Provincial Sanctions for Impaired Operation of a Motor vehicle and his vehicle was seized for 30 days.
He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Jan. 19, 2023 to answer to the charges.
Submitted
