Mounties say an investigation into break-ins in the Laurier Lake area has resulted in five arrests and multiple charges being laid. Police say the action began on December 6th with units from St. Paul and Elk Point investigating multiple break and enters in the area. A vehicle police believe was used in the crimes was spotted near Cold Lake and eventually stopped using a spike strip. Five suspects then took off on foot.
The RCMP says they caught two occupants while a search for the other three took them well into the night. Officers from Cold Lake joined in the chase as well as Police Dog Services. A pair of 17-year- olds from Fishing Lake were later caught and arrested. A 17-year-old from Elizabeth Metis settlement was the last caught. He was picked up in the early morning of December 7th and had to be taken to hospital after trying to hide out in the cold.
Mounties say a search of the area turned up stolen guns as well as stolen trucks from Kitscoty and Dewberry.
Two young men from Fishing Lake, a woman from Frog Lake and a man from Elizabeth Metis Settlement, all of whom are 17-years-old and can’t be named, now face 82 charges including possession of stolen property and flight from police. Three had previous warrants in places like Vegreville and Edmonton. All will see St. Paul court on December 13th.
A 19-year-old girl woman from Frog Lake also faces a variety of charges including flight from police. She’ll also see St. Paul court December 13th.
Police say a pair of youths from Onion Lake and Kehewin were also arrested. They weren’t involved in the break and enters but mounties say they were wanted on previous warrants. A 16-year-old from Onion Lake and a 15-year-old from Kehewin have been charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and will see St. Paul court December 20th.
Mounties say their investigation into the break-ins is in its early stages and more charges may be coming. Anyone with more information on the crimes can call the Elk Point mounties at 780-724-3964 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.