2 arrested after armed robbery and police chase in Ponoka

File photo of two RCMP cruisers blocking an intersection.

A man and a woman have been arrested after a police chase that ended on a frozen river south of Edmonton.

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On Tuesday at about 8 p.m., RCMP responded to an armed robbery on 38 Avenue Close in Ponoka, where a man and woman had reportedly stolen a white Pontiac Vibe at gunpoint.

Mounties pursued the vehicle through Ponoka County and Montana First Nation, before the Pontiac drove over a frozen river and became stuck on a berm.

The woman was arrested but the man ran away. RCMP said he was eventually found with the assistance of a police helicopter and canine units. He was taken to hospital to be checked for exposure injuries and was arrested.

The man, 35, and woman, 41, are residents of Ponoka. They have each been charged with robbery with a firearm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from a police officer.

The man is facing additional charges or assault with a weapon, mischief and resisting/obstructing a police officer.

He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka on Feb. 21.

She was released on conditions and will appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka on Feb. 28

Ponoka is about 100 kilometres south of Edmonton.