Alberta man charged in theft of van from parking lot of Red Deer casino

RCMP (file photo)

A Clearwater County, Alta., resident has been charged in connection with a stolen vehicle in Red Deer.

On June 10, Red Deer RCMP advised their colleagues in Innisfail that a van had been stolen from the parking lot of the Red Deer Resort and Casino.

The van was reported to have been driving west of Innisfail close to Highway 22, bordering the RCMP jurisdiction of Innisfail, Sundre, Sylvan Lake and Rocky Mountain House.

Officers say they were able to locate the van and use a tire deflation device to stop it.

The suspect, who was driving, fled into the woods on foot.

With the held of police dogs from Red Deer and RCMP Air Services overhead, officers were able to find the man and arrest him. They also recovered the van.

A 38-year-old Clearwater County resident was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime and operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited.

The man was also arrested on outstanding warrants for theft of a motor vehicle and theft under $5,000.

Following a bail hearing, the man was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on June 13.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.