A Drumheller man was taken into custody after being chased down by police last Sunday.
At approximately 10 p.m. on April 16, Drumheller RCMP members were conducting compliance checks on offenders in the area of Hunts Drive in Drumheller as part of the Detachment’s Crime Reduction Initiative.
While doing so, the members observed a male suspect whom they knew to be wanted on several outstanding warrants. The male fled on foot from the officers resulting in a foot chase. During the foot chase, officers observed that the suspect was in possession of a knife. The suspect was apprehended approximately one block away after a brief struggle. A knife was recovered from the area.
Mark Fontaine, 39, from Drumheller, was arrested for his outstanding warrants of:
Fail to Remain at Scene of Accident contrary to Sec. 320.16 CC;
Drive Motor Vehicle while Prohibited contrary to Sec. 320.18 CC;
Drive Motor Vehicle While Unauthorized contrary to Sec. 94(2) TSA;
Drive Uninsured Motor Vehicle contrary to Sec. 54(1)(a) TSA;
Drive Unregistered Motor Vehicle contrary to Sec. 52(1)(b) TSA;
Display Unauthorized License Plate on Motor Vehicle contrary to Sec. 53(1)(b) TSA; and
Fail to Provide Report of Accident to Police contrary to Sec. 71(1) TSA.
Additional charges were laid of:
Use or Consume Liquor in Public contrary to Sec. 89(1) of the GLCA;
Obstruction of a Peace Officer contrary to Sec. 129(a) CC; and
Possess a Weapon Dangerous to the Public contrary to Sec. 88(1) CC
Fontaine was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and remanded into custody. His next court appearance is scheduled in the Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on April 28 to answer to the charges.
S/Sgt. Robert HARMS of Drumheller Detachment stated “Thankfully, no officers or persons were injured. This incident demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of our Crime Reduction Initiatives. An armed and wanted person was encountered and taken into custody and a weapon recovered. Crime Reduction initiatives are a detachment priority and will continue in and around the community.”
If you have any information regarding criminal activity in your neighbourhood, please contact your local RCMP, Police Service, or call 911 if an emergency. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can 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.
