Ponoka RCMP Report, Mar. 23 - Apr. 22

PONOKA -- Ponoka residents are reminded to be careful about picking up hitchhikers after an incident on Mar. 25.

According to the Mounties, a motorist had his wallet stolen after providing a ride to three hitchhikers. It's reported that the three individuals had requested a ride into Town before making off with the wallet. The driver became aware of the incident when he was notified that his cards had been used at various businesses. Ponoka RCMP say that an investigation into this incident is still ongoing.

In total, the local detachment responded to 421 calls for service between Mar. 23 and Apr. 22. During this reporting period, officers issued 33 violation tickets and 8 warnings for traffic infractions. The Mounties say that six immediate roadside sanctions were also issued for impaired driving during this period. 75 curfew compliance checks were conducted on 10 different subjects, and one breach charge was laid as a result.

Other notable incidents from the past month included an attempted theft at a local liquor store on Mar. 31. Police say the 19-year-old female suspect was attempting to steal liquor and ended up fighting with one of the workers when she tried to flee. The suspect was arrested and charged with robbery and uttering threats. She was later released after a Judicial Interim Release Hearing.

On Apr. 2, Ponoka RCMP responded to a call of a vehicle parked on Highway 2 that was blocking traffic. Officers attended and located a 34-year-old male in the driver's seat. Through the investigation, it was found that he was impaired by alcohol. Immediate roadside sanctions were issued, his vehicle was towed, and violation tickets were given. Police also learned that the 34-year-old male was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant. He was arrested at the scene and held in custody. 

Another one of the incidents from the past month occurred on Apr. 7. This particular situation saw officers respond to a report that someone phoned and pretended to be an elderly victim's son and requested $8,800 bail money. The victim withdrew the money and met a male who said he would take the bail money to her son. No arrests have been made as police say an investigation into the matter continues.