From Ponoka RCMP:

On March 11 the Ponoka RCMP successfully tracked a stolen Bait Car and arrested a male and female suspect inside it.  The RCMP are warning would be criminals that if you steal a vehicle, or enter it to steal items, it may be a “Bait Car” and you will be caught.

On March 11 at 07:30 a.m. the Ponoka RCMP initiated a criminal investigation when a Bait Car was reported stolen. The Ponoka RCMP had deployed the Bait car at a local business and were notified in the morning of its theft.

With assistance from Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Services, and the Ponoka General Investigation Unit the Ponoka RCMP were able to track and intercept the Bait car near Joffre where a male and female suspect were arrested in the Bait car.

Investigation revealed that the accused individuals stole the Bait car and then attended a rural property near Gull Lake, Alberta and committed numerous break and enter and thefts.

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Further investigation revealed that on the day prior, March 10, 2018 at approximately 4:30 a.m., the same male and female were involved when a truck stolen from Rocky Mountain House was in a collision on Highway 53 near Range Road 235. The truck rolled in the ditch and a male and female suspect fled the scene. A short time later they attended two separate farm properties where they attempted to break in to numerous buildings and steal a vehicle until they were confronted by the property owners.   

As a result of an integrated and comprehensive investigation completed by the Ponoka RCMP, with assistance from the Bashaw RCMP, Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Services, and the Ponoka General Investigation Unit the Ponoka RCMP were able to lay the following charges:

Spencer BLACK, a 20-year-old male from Joffre, Alberta is charged with:

  • ·Trespassing at Night (2 Counts)
  • ·Drive While Disqualified (2 Counts)
  • ·Theft of a motor vehicle. (2 Counts)
  • ·Break and Enter with Intent to Commit Theft.·Possess Break-In Instruments. (2 Counts)
  • ·Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000.
  • ·Mischief to Property – Over $5000. (2 Counts)
  • ·Driver in Accident Fail to Remain at a Collision.
  • ·Driver in Accident Fail to Report a Collision.
  • ·Theft Over $5000.
  • ·Break and enter and Commit Theft (2 Counts)
  • ·Possession of a Controlled Drug and Substance (Methamphetamine).

and Shyla LOUSTEL, a 22-year old female from Joffre, Alberta is charged with: 

    • ·Trespassing at Night (2 Counts)
    • ·Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000.
    • ·Mischief to Property – Over $5000. (2 Counts)
    • ·Possess Break-In Instruments. (2 Counts)
    • ·Theft of a motor vehicle. (2 Counts)
    • ·Driver in Accident Fail to Remain at a Collision.
    • ·Driver in Accident Fail to Report a Collision.
    • ·Theft Over $5000.
    • ·Break and enter and Commit Theft (2 Counts)
    • ·Possession of a Controlled Drug and Substance (Methamphetamine).
    • ·Improper Disposal of Waste on a Highway.

Spencer BLACK was remanded in custody and will appear next in Ponoka Provincial Court on April 13th,  2018 at 9:30 a.m..

Shyla LOUSTEL was released on her own recognizance to appear in Ponoka Provincial Court on March 23, 2018.  She failed to appear and consequently a warrant for her arrest was issued by the court. If anyone knows the location of Shyla LOUSTEL, please contact your local police immediately.

Property crimes, including vehicle thefts, are one of the Ponoka RCMP’s priorities.  In conjunction with the “K”Division Auto Theft Unit, an initiative to use a Bait vehicle has been implemented.  The location and type of vehicle will not be identified in an effort to maintain the intended purpose of this vehicle. 

Targeting people who steal vehicles is just one component of the ongoing crime reduction strategies in place across the province.

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