ATHABASCA – An Athabasca man is recovering after an alleged sword attack in town last week.
A July 8 media release from RCMP said Athabasca members responded to “a call for assistance at a residence in the Town of Athabasca” July 5, after the man was allegedly assaulted by another man with a sword and received serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect was not identified by RCMP in the release, but was charged with one count of aggravated assault, uttering threats against a person and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He was released from custody following a judicial hearing and will be in Athabasca Provincial Court July 25.
That was just one of 601 calls Athabasca RCMP members responded to in the six weeks leading up to July 6, a rate that has kept them busy heading into the summer, said Const. Jay Tessier that morning.
That includes 13 other general assaults, along with six more where a weapon was involved, including bats and knives in a few of the incidents. In addition, there are three files that remain open involving complaints of sexual assault.
The warmer weather has also resulted in more calls to the summer villages that surround local lakes, and in general, especially in relation to breaches of the peace, i.e. partying too late and too loud. There were 12 throughout the detachment area.
There were also 19 calls for uttering threats and 28 others for disturbing the peace, i.e. causing a disturbance in a public place, often drunkenly. That said, Tessier added the Magnificent River Rats Festival was generally uneventful as far as crime at the festival itself.
There was one case of fraud over $5,000; one case of fraud involving the use of a deceased roommate’s identification for medications; and one case of theft over $5,000 involving the theft of several guitars. RCMP also dealt with 15 calls of theft under $5,000 and four others of shoplifting.
There was also one case of criminal harassment; 14 more of mischief involving mischief to property; seven failure to comply charges; two flight from police; and three failure to remain at the scene of an accident investigations.
RCMP also responded to 54 traffic collisions, including one serious rollover with the others ranging from minor fender benders to animal strikes.
They were also kept busy with 27 mental health files; three child welfare files; three crime prevention files; three abandoned vehicles, and a slew of suspicious people and vehicles; 36 911 hang-ups; 27 assists to other agencies; 11 false alarms; and 15 people that failed to show up for court.
Athabasca RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to your local police. Reports help RCMP find where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, 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.
