The Bonnyville RCMP had a busy 8 days from May 16 to May 24, handling 165 investigations, including several significant incidents and arrests.
On May 16, Bonnyville RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence on 51 Street in Bonnyville. The search uncovered crystal methamphetamine, a firearm, other weapons, and evidence suggesting illegal drug sales. As a result, 52-year-old Aaron Bucholz of Bonnyville was charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, unsafe storage of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Bucholz was brought before a Justice of the Peace and released to appear in court on June 4.
In the early hours on May 17, at 1:30 am, Bonnyville RCMP were dispatched to a residence on the 4800 block of 49 Ave. A male suspect attempted to break into the home, yelling death threats to the residents and causing damage to the door and windows. The suspect was located nearby and arrested. During his arrest, he threatened to kill the two RCMP members involved. 22-year-ols Calo Berland of Bonnyville was charged with four counts of uttering threats, two counts of mischief under $5,000, and one count of disobeying a court order. Despite breaching a court order, Berland was released from custody and is set to appear in court on June 18.
Later, on May 17, at 9:45 pm, Bonnyville RCMP received reports of a pickup truck causing chaos in the Sportsman Trailer Park, running into trailers and narrowly missing pedestrians. The driver, identified as 55-year-old Barrydene Pasos of Bonnyville, was believed to be impaired but refused to provide a breath sample. Pasos was arrested and charged with driving impaired, refusing to comply with a breath demand, dangerous operation of a vehicle, three counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and driving an uninsured motor vehicle. Pasos was released on bail and will appear in court on June 4.
On May 18, Bonnyville RCMP participated in National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, conducting five check stops and contacting 74 vehicles/drivers. The effort resulted in three provincial sanctions for impaired driving and one criminal code for impaired driving charge.
On May 20, RCMP were dispatched to a residence in Kehewin where a male has set his house on fire. The Kehewin Fire Department quickly responded, saving the structure from complete destruction, though it sustained extensive smoke damage. 49-year-old Dennis Watchmaker of Kehewin was charged with arson. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Bonnyville Provincial Court on June 18.
