A travel trailer worth approximately $40,000 that was stolen from an RV dealership in Calgary, as well as a pickup truck worth an estimated $24,000, stolen in Olds, has been recovered by Strathmore RCMP. A U-Haul that was reported overdue, which was meant to be returned and filled with property was also recovered by the police.

The stolen vehicles were recovered after Strathmore RCMP had noticed the U-Haul truck with another pickup truck and travel trailer stopped at the on-ramp to Highway 1 Eastbound from Highway 797 on August 14 in the early morning hours.

Initially, an RCMP member stopped to offer assistance to the driver pulling the travel trailer. When the driver noticed the car was a police vehicle, he pulled away quickly. The Strathmore member followed and tried to initiate a traffic stop on both vehicles but discontinued efforts when both refused to stop and engaged in an erratic driving pattern. HAWCS was requested to assist.

The truck and travel trailer were spotted by another Strathmore member East of Strathmore on Highway 1 which had turned back Westbound toward Strathmore. Another traffic stop was attempted but the driver began swaying across both lanes of travel. The Strathmore member discontinued attempts to stop with HAWCS in a position to monitor the vehicle.

The truck and travel trailer were abandoned in Strathmore and the driver got into the U-Haul truck. Members continued to receive updates from HAWCS who reported a location where the U-Haul truck stopped and both occupants fled on foot. A Calgary Police Service Dog and handler were on site who assisted in tracking the suspects, one of which was taken into custody.

Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz, the Detachment Commander Strathmore RCMP said that members are active in their patrols throughout the area to keep residents safe, to detect, and deter crime.

"In this case, being observant resulted in the recovery of a significant value of items which were returned to their own, and one of the offenders involved at this time will face charges. I’d also like to express my thanks to Calgary Police Service for their assistance in this investigation and continued seamless working relationship to keep Albertans safe.” 

Both owners were unaware of the thefts before police contacted them. The U-Haul was overdue to be returned and filled with property believed to be stolen. The apprehended male driver identified as Devon Tanner, a 36-year-old man last known to reside in Red Deer was held for a hearing on 22 charges which include:

  • Flight from Peace Officer X 2;
  • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
  • Fail to Comply with a Release Condition X 9;
  • Fail to Comply with a Probation Order X 3;
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance;
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 X 2;
  • Drive Uninsured Motor Vehicle on Highway;
  • Drive While Unauthorized;
  • Possession of Break in Instruments; and
  • Pulling Trailer with No Signal Lamps.

Tanner remains in custody at this time. The investigation remains ongoing at this time with an additional suspect and continued efforts to identify the owners of recovered property from within the U-Haul truck.

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