On Dec. 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., an off-duty RCMP officer from Calgary was driving on highway 573 East of Drumheller when he witnessed a lone male suspect in a gas plant compressor site whom appeared to be stealing copper wire. Drumheller RCMP offciers were notified and responded to the area; however, prior to their arrival, the suspect left the scene in a white Nissan pickup truck. Through collaboration with the off-duty officer, officers intercepted and stopped the suspect vehicle.
The lone occupant of the vehicle was arrested and taken into custody. Officers located large amounts of copper wire, contraband cigarettes, drug paraphernalia, apparent cocaine, bear spray, fireworks, and more in the vehicle. Officers further confirmed that a break and enter did occur at the compressor site.
As a result, 37-year-old Bryan Burrill, a resident of Carbon, Alta., was charged with:
Break and Enter;
Mischief to Property;
Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose;
Possess Weapon, ammunition, or explosive contrary to a Prohibition Order;
Possess cocaine;
Possess contraband cigarettes;
Drive uninsured motor vehicle.
Burrill was taken before a Justice of the Peace for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and released. He is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Jan. 26, 2024.
Detachment Commander, S/Sgt. Robert HARMS, stated “The company that owns the compressor site no doubt sustained significant damages and losses as a result of this crime. The keen eye and involvement of the off duty RCMP Sergeant played a key role in not only identifying that a break and enter was in progress but also in the apprehension of the suspect.”
If you have any information regarding criminal activity, call 911, or contact your local Police Service. 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.
