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Two days, two police chases

Athabasca Detachment instrumental in capturing both suspects
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Athabasca RCMP took part in two separate chases that both led to arrests on Jan. 30 and 31. Photo: File
ATHABASCA – The Athabasca RCMP arrested two male suspects after responding to separate reports of a stolen vehicles from Westlock on Jan. 30 and 31.  

On Jan. 30, at approximately 2:56 p.m., Athabasca RCMP were advised by the Westlock Detachment that a stolen vehicle from the Westlock area was on Highway 663 southwest of Athabasca.  

While attending the location, the suspect vehicle turned north onto Highway 812 and continued travelling at high rates of speed to Highway 2 towards Slave Lake.  

RCMP Air Services and Crime Reduction Unit from EAD were called in to assist. Emergency equipment was activated, and the suspect vehicle continued to travel at high rates of speed with disregard for public safety. The vehicle continued north finally turning towards Smith where he lost control of his vehicle and went into the ditch.

"I'd like to mention this was a multi-agency (pursuit)," Corp. Steve Bereza with the Athabasca RCMP stated. "We had our Crime Reduction Unit from the Eastern Alberta District, Westlock, Athabasca and Slave Lake (RCMP) and GIS unit."

Bereza added a helicopter was also used in assisting officers keep track of the vehicle.

"Bascially the pursuit went on for just a little over an hour," he added. "We declared a pursuit and decided to apprehend the person where he hit the ditch by Smith."

Albert Gladue, a 20-year-old male from Calling Lake was charged with 3 Criminal Code offences. which include operation of a motor vehicle while pursued by police, dangerous driving and possession of stolen property over $5,000. 

On Jan. 31 before noon, Athabasca RCMP were called to assist in the chase of another stolen vehicle from Westlock. 

An officer with the Athabasca Detachment was able to safely deploy a spike belt on Highway 2 northbound about 40 kilometres northeast of Westlock. The suspect went into the ditch after encountering the spike belt and there were no injuries reported. 

Mitch Bitzer of Rochester was arrested on the scene for outstanding warrants and possession of stolen property. 

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