Strathmore RCMP say they have arrested two prolific offenders after an hours-long crime spree last week spanning from Calgary to the Drumheller area. It all started just before 4 a.m. on Sept. 9, when Airdrie RCMP came across a suspicious vehicle at a gas station in Crossfield. Mounties say the driver failed to signal while leaving the gas station and entering the highway, at which time they tried to pull the vehicle over, but the driver fled. Officers didn’t pursue the vehicle, but determined from its licence plate it had been stolen out of Calgary hours earlier. RCMP say the occupants were later observed ditching that vehicle and getting into a truck. The driver of the truck was known to police. Hours later, at 3:05 p.m., RCMP in Didsbury received a report of would-be thieves attempting to steal diesel from a farm tank for a newer model Ford F-350. Mounties say the property owner confronted the suspects, who fled in the F-350. When RCMP officers found the F-350, they attempted to stop it, but the driver didn’t pull over. “Due to safety reasons, a pursuit was not initiated,” RCMP said in a news release. “This vehicle is believed to be the same truck who picked up the occupants of the stolen vehicle.” Hours later, RCMP in Drumheller were called about a stolen vehicle. It’s alleged the suspects from the F-350 showed up at a work site and stole a 2022 Ford F-350 Tremor. Both vehicles left the site. Then, just before 8 p.m., Drumheller RCMP were alerted to a rural property owner who reported the F-350 was in his field causing significant damage. Shortly after, a member of the Rosebud Colony called Drumheller RCMP to report the Tremor was driving through the colony. Officers were able to locate one of the vehicles at 8:14 p.m. and tried to stop it using a spike belt. The vehicle kept driving, heading through rural farm fields. A second spike belt was used on Highway 9 near Range Road 272. The vehicle continued on for a short distance but was eventually stopped. “Both the driver and passenger were arrested,” RCMP said. “During a search of the vehicle incidental to arrest, officers located brass knuckles, knives and bear spray.” The driver, Nevada Desjarlais, 21, of no fixed address, faces 11 charges. The passenger, Jonathan Meakin, 37, of Calgary, faces nine charges. Both were remanded into custody. “In this case, two individuals were involved in a crime spree that had a significant impact on several rural residents and communities,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz. “Through the coordinated efforts of our frontline members and partner agencies, these individuals were safely apprehended.” Wielgosz says the investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected. “Both suspects are prolific offenders and have a significant history with police involvement.”
