RCMP charge two suspects with multiple charges in Claresholm

At 6:53 a.m. on May 27th, RCMP received reports of a Break and Enter in progress in a residential garage in the 5000 block of 3A Street in Claresholm.  

Members from Nanton RCMP Detachment attended the area and quickly located and arrested a suspect departing the area on foot. The suspect was found to be in possession of several stolen items from various break and enters, break-in instruments, and an imitation handgun. A second suspect was located nearby in a suspect vehicle, a white 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, and was arrested. The suspect vehicle was found to contain several items such as tools believed to be stolen.  Also located in the vehicle was a Taser, firearm ammunition, and other break-in instruments.

Investigators believe and allege that the 2 suspects were also involved in an occurrence earlier in the morning that involved a report of 2 suspects loading and moving a suspected stolen motorcycle in the Nanton area.  Further investigation, including by Claresholm RCMP members, led to the discovery and recovery of a stolen 2011 Husqvarna motorcycle and a stolen 2011 enclosed cargo trailer from Lethbridge.

44 year old Michael TRACEY of Calgary Alberta was charged with a total of 27 Criminal Offences as follows:

·         Possession of a weapon, ammunition, and/or explosive substance while prohibited contrary to Section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code – 6 Counts,

·         Break and Enter with Intent contrary to Section 348(1)(a) CC,

·         Possession of Break-In Instruments contrary to Section 351(1) CC – 2 Counts,

·         Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 contrary to Section 355(a) CC – 2 Counts,

·         Possession of Stolen Property under $5000 contrary to Section 355(b) CC,

·         Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose contrary to Section 88(1) CC – 2 Counts,

·         Possession of a Prohibited Weapon contrary to Section 91(2) CC – 2 Counts,

·         Carry a concealed Weapon contrary to Section 90(1) CC,

·         Operate Motor Vehicle while Prohibited contrary to Section 320.18 CC, and

·         Fail to Comply with a Release Order Condition contrary to Section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code – 9 counts.

TRACEY was taken before a Justice of the Peace for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing; his matters were held over for a Bail Hearing on May 30th, 2022 in Lethbridge Provincial Court.

37 Year old William DOUGLAS of Calgary Alberta was charged with a total of 6 Criminal Offences as follows:

·         Possession of Stolen Property under $5000 contrary to Section 355(b) CC,

·         Possession of Break-In Instruments contrary to Section 351(1) CC,

·         Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose contrary to Section 88(1) CC,

·         Possession of a Prohibited Weapon contrary to Section 91(2) CC, and

·         Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 contrary to Section 355(a) CC – 2 Counts.

DOUGLAS was released on an Appearance Notice and is scheduled to appear in Fort Macleod Provincial Court on July 20th, 2022 to answer to the charges.

Sgt. Robert HARMS of the Claresholm RCMP stated that “Public awareness and involvement played a key role in the apprehension of 2 suspects that were actively involved in property crimes and in the recovery of stolen property including a  motorcycle and cargo trailer.  The public is encouraged to continue being observant and to report all suspicious activity.”

RCMP continue to investigate this occurrence, the 2 suspects, and the recovered stolen property.  If you have any information regarding this matter, please contact the Nanton RCMP at 403.646.5722 or Claresholm RCMP at 403.625.4445.  If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at http://www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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