Cochrane RCMP officers arrested a Calgary resident on Nov. 26 after he attempted to steal a vehicle at a gas station in Riversong.
The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m., according to police, when local RCMP officers were dispatched to a reported vehicle theft attempt. The RCMP's press release stated the owner of a vehicle saw a male suspect enter his car and tamper with the ignition while it was parked at a gas station. Afterward, the suspect left on foot.
"As officers arrived, they came across a vehicle crashed into the median a short distance from the gas station," the release stated, adding the vehicle "was later determined to have been stolen out of Calgary."
As RCMP personnel arrived in the area, the suspect was seen running across a field in an attempt to evade police. After a short pursuit on foot, the suspect was quickly captured.
According to the release, the investigation determined the suspect stole a vehicle in Calgary, crashed it in the median in Cochrane, and attempted to steal the complainant’s vehicle as an alternative.
Police learned the suspect had 48 outstanding warrants for his arrest. Donald Smale, a 37-year-old resident of Calgary, is facing multiple charges, including possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts obstructing a police officer, theft of a motor vehicle, mischief over $5,000, and two counts failure to comply with a release order.
After a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Smale was remanded into custody, and is set to appear in Cochrane Provincial Court on Nov. 29, at 9:30 a.m.
In the press release, Cochrane RCMP stressed property crimes are a priority issue for the detachment.
“Our officers work hard to ensure we respond quickly, efficiently and effectively to calls for service in order to bring property crime offenders to justice," said Staff Sergeant Chad Fournier, Acting Detachment Commander for Cochrane RCMP. "This incident is one example of how quick notification to police, team work, and a thorough investigation can interrupt property crimes in progress and protect our community."
Cochrane RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell them where to look, whom to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, they ask you to dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
