On Aug. 6, 2024 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Drumheller RCMP received reports of a residential break and enter that was interrupted by the owner in Lehigh. It was further reported that the suspect used bear spray on the owner when confronted and fled the scene in a vehicle.
General duty and General Investigation Section officers responded and converged on the area and soon located the suspect vehicle traveling west on Highway 10 towards Drumheller. Officers attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, however, it fled at a high rate of speed and in a dangerous and erratic manner, including striking one vehicle (mirror/minor damages/no injuries) and forcing others to the sides of the roadway. In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicle.
Officers located the suspect vehicle abandoned on Range Road 220 near Highway 575, west of Drumheller. Two suspects were observed and fled on foot into a field. As a result, additional resources converged on the area, including Police Dog Services. At approximately 8 p.m., two suspects were located and taken into custody without further incident.
The investigation determined that the suspect vehicle, a grey 2023 Kia Sorento, was stolen from Langley, B.C., and had an altered licence plate. Evidence and other items were located during the investigation and included bear spray, break in tools, stolen tools, and suspected methamphetamine.
38-year-old Brandon Gariepy, and 26-year-old Dawn Sorowski, both residents of Moose Jaw, SK, were jointly charged with the following:
Flight from Peace Officer;
Possession of Methamphetamine;
Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public;
Possession of break in instruments;
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000; and
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000.
Sorowski was additionally charged with breach of probation and Gariepy was additionally charged with the following:
Robbery;
Break and Enter;
Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
Fail to Remain at scene of an accident;
Fraudulent Concealment of Insurance Corporation Property;
Obstruct Peace Officer; and
Possession of ammunition while being prohibited.
Additionally, Brandon Gariepy was arrested on 3 outstanding arrest warrants, including a Canada Wide warrant from Edmonton Police Service for two counts of robbery and possession of a concealed weapon.
Both Gariepy and Sorowski were subject to a Judicial Interim Release Hearing. Both were remanded into custody. Sorowski is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Aug. 9, 2024, and Gariepy is scheduled to appear in Drumheller on Aug. 16, 2024.
If you have any information regarding this matter or any criminal activity, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403.823.7590, 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.
