The recovered weapons police want to return to their owners. (Image Courtesy RCMP)

By Dori Modney/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit and Taber RCMP make multiple arrests in theft ring

Nov 24, 2021 | 4:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (SACRU) and Taber RCMP began a joint investigation in mid-November, in relation to numerous break, enter and thefts reported in the rural area outside Taber. Two 911 calls were taken in succession, from victims reporting incidents involving an unknown suspect who pointed a firearm at them from a pickup truck.

Taber Police and RCMP set up containment in the area with the Police Dog Service (PDS) and determined there were two suspects involved.

PDS located one suspect, 42-year-old Brent Madill of Calgary, about two miles from the scene. The second suspect, 36-year-old Gino Policarpo, of no fixed address, wasn’t immediately located and warrants ‘were issued for his arrest.

Madill faces 17 charges, including break and entre, theft, flight from police, breach of probation and driving while prohibited. He has been remanded to Lethbridge court on Dec 22. 2021.

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On Monday, (Nov 22) SACRU located Policarpo with two other men in south Calgary, where an arrested was attempted at a gas station on Blackfoot Trail. The suspect fled on foot, but was caught and a struggle ensued, in which Policarpo produced a knife and threatened an officer.

The suspect again fled through a parking lot and attempted to climb over a chain-link fence, where he became tangled in razor wire. SACRU arrested the man and freed him from the razor wire. He then required medical attention at hospital, before being released into police custody.

Policarpo faces 19 charges including, pointing a firearm, mischief, theft and assaulting a police officer. He is also facing outstanding warrants for assault and uttering threats. He remains in custody to appear in Lethbridge court on Nov. 25, via CCTV.

RCMP also arrested 43-year-old Craig Quesnell of Calgary, who faces nine charges, including Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of a weapon and failing to comply with a court order.

As well, Quesnell was wanted on several outstanding warrants. He remains in custody for a court date on Nov. 24 in Calgary.

Another man fled from the scene and has not been located.

RCMP recovered five stolen licence plates as well as a substance believed to be fentanyl and break-in tools.

SACRU are looking for the owners of a sniper airsoft rifle and a pellet gun that were also recovered. Please contact the Crime Reduction Unit at 587-439-3259 or 403-462-7217 if you believe these items may be yours.