By Stephanie Villella

Male in custody after vehicle theft

Mar 4, 2017 | 7:56 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB —  Medicine Hat Police are thanking the public for their help in yesterday’s arrest.

On March 3rd around 3pm, police responded to a report of a suspicious male in his mid-20s “lurking” around properties in the North flats area of the city.  When police arrived at scene, the suspect “fled on foot” going through private property.

Within a few minutes of that initial contact, the same male broke into a detached garage a block away and stole the car that was inside explained Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser

“He exited the garage by busting through the overhead vehicle door and took off from that area in the stolen vehicle,” Fraser said.

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As the suspect used the stolen vehicle as a getaway, he then collided with a chain link fence and drove away from the North flats residential area.

Police said there were several witnesses that started to point in the direction in which the suspect was travelling. 

“Police followed the information given by civilians and which time the vehicle was located inside the CP train yard near Ross Creek,” said Fraser.

The stolen truck entered the CP rail property, flew over a 5 foot drop and the driver kept going. The truck finally became high centered on the rail tracks.  The male then abandoned the vehicle and on foot ran into the Coulee near Scholten Hill.

The owner of the vehicle said he uses the truck for his snow removal business and it had a large piece of equipment in the back. The vehicle sustained significant damage and the man said his truck will likely be a write off.

As more witnesses aided police with information on the suspects whereabouts, police were able to set up a containment area to “apprehend the suspect.”

Police said the suspect broke through the containment and attempted to steal a nearby parked vehicle. However, police were able to close in and apprehend him while he was actively trying to steal the second car. 

From there, the male was taken into custody and is now facing charges of: break and enter/mischief, theft of motor vehicle, and breach of release conditions.

Medicine Hat Police are very thankful for the witnesses who were an “instrumental” part in the apprehension of the suspect.

“There were many civilians that gave timely and accurate information,” said Fraser. “It’s an example of how imperative it is that we work with our community to keep our neighbourhood safe. This is an example of a time where civilians stepped up, helped out, and played a really active role in bringing this guy into custody.”