Ponoka RCMP Report, May 28 - June 27

PONOKA -- Incidents of assault, theft, and arson highlight the Ponoka RCMP's latest monthly crime report.

This comes as the detachment responded to a total of 547 calls for service from May 28th to June 27th. During this reporting period, police issued 29 violation tickets, 12 warnings for traffic infractions, and 3 immediate roadside sanctions for impaired driving. They also conducted 35 curfew compliance checks on 8 subjects, resulting in five breach charges.

On May 28th, Ponoka RCMP responded to a report of a theft at a local liquor store. The employee reported that two females stole three bottles of liquor and then left in a blue Dodge Charger. Officers attempted to locate the vehicle but were unsuccessful. Video surveillance was not provided, and the females were unable to be identified.

A few days later on June 1st, Mounties responded to a report that a trailer that had been set on fire in a back alley in Ponoka. Upon arrival to the scene, RCMP discovered that not only was the trailer on fire, but a nearby garage as well. The fire was determined to be arson, and an investigation into the matter is still ongoing. No one was injured in the incident.

On June 16th, police responded to a report of an assault in progress. A complainant advised police that he witnessed a male suspect in a vehicle pull up beside an individual riding his bike. The suspect proceeded to exit the vehicle and assault the victim before fleeing. Mounties attended the scene and spoke with the victim, who did not wish to press charges.

Just a few days ago, on the evening of June 26th, RCMP responded to reports of a male waving a knife around and threatening passersby's in front of a business in Ponoka. Officers attended the scene and arrested the male a short time later. Police say that while they were taking the suspect into custody, he proceeded to spit on one of the RCMP members. The male was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and assaulting a police officer. 

Also on June 26th, police responded to a call of a break-and-enter at a residence in Ponoka. RCMP attended the scene and located an intoxicated 22-year-old male inside the house. The male was arrested; however, the homeowner did not wish to proceed with charges against the suspect.