Stettler RCMP arrest fugitive wanted on warrants

Written by Stu Salkeld

Stettler RCMP arrested a fugitive wanted on an arrest warrant Aug. 12, and local residents may recognize the suspect’s name.

In a phone call to the ECA Review a few minutes after the arrest, Stettler RCMP detachment commander S/Sgt. Bruce Holliday confirmed Larry Watson was arrested Aug. 12 and charged with six offences including possessing a substance suspected of being methamphetamine, operating a motor vehicle while unauthorized, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, open liquor in a motor vehicle and cannabis marijuana in a motor vehicle within reach of the driver.

Readers may recognize Watson’s name from a previous high-profile arrest in the region, that being in connection with a Feb. 21, 2016 police raid on a meth lab north of Stettler located on Sec. Hwy. #601. Watson was charged along with three other men.

Holliday was patrolling and stated he observed a motorist who appeared to be a man wanted on an arrest warrant.

“On Aug. 12 about 12:30 p.m. Stettler RCMP were conducting patrols when they observed an individual operating a motor vehicle who was known to police to be a suspended driver,” said Holliday by phone.

“This suspect also had a warrant out for his arrest.

“RCMP conducted a traffic stop and placed the driver and lone occupant under arrest for a warrant and for suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while unauthorized.

“Subsequent investigation of the suspect’s vehicle resulted in seizure of a substance suspected of being methamphetamine, open liquor and cannabis marijuana in the vehicle within reach of the driver.

“RCMP later discovered the suspect vehicle was not registered or insured.”

Holliday noted a judicial interim release was to be arranged for later Aug. 12.

“The Stettler RCMP would like to thank the community for their help and support in addressing individuals that present a negative impact to our community,” added Holliday.

On Aug. 12, 2020 Stettler County council approved seeking a court order to clean up unsightly premises owned by Larry Watson located at #19260 Sec. Hwy. # 601.

Claiming there were about 50 derelict vehicles sitting on the property, county staff also stated numerous warnings were delivered to Watson before Stettler County considered the court order.

Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review

About the author

Stu Salkeld

Stu Salkeld, who has upwards of 28 years of experience in the Alberta community newspaper industry, is now covering councils and other news in the Stettler region and has experience working in the area as well.

He has joined the ECA Review as a Local Journalism Initiative Journalist.

Stu earned his two-year diploma in print journalism from SAIT in Calgary from 1993 to ’95 and was raised in Oyen, Alta., one of the communities within the ECA Review’s coverage area.