BARRHEAD-WESTLOCK-The Barrhead and Westlock RCMP are asking for the public's help in locating Curtis Powder.
The 36-year-old Powder is wanted by the Westlock RCMP for Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking and Obstructing a Peace Officer.
Barrhead RCMP Sgt. Bob Dodds said he is also wanted for an incident that took place in Barrhead on May 19.
He said one of his members spotted Powder driving a black Chevy Tahoe and knowing he was wanted on a warrant for drug charges in Westlock attempted a traffic stop.
Dodds added Powder then fled driving through downtown Barrhead at about 3 p.m. at high rates of speed while ignoring stop signs and one red light.
Due to public safety concerns, police did not engage in a pursuit.
"It was simply good fortune that nobody was injured or killed," he said.
As a result of the May 19 incident Powder is facing additional charges of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight From Police and Drive While Prohibited. A warrant for these offences is pending.
If the public spot Powder they are asked to contact the Barrhead or Westlock Detachments at 780-674-2696 (Barrhead) or 780-349-4491 (Westlock). Powder is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
Dodds said criminal activity is picked up over the previous week, noting members attended three assault complaints.
On May 19, a 17-year-old Barrhead male reported an assault which had occurred on New Year's Eve. A 20-year-old Barrhead male is under investigation as a result. The same day they also attended a domestic assault.
"The victim, a 31-year-old Barrhead woman reported being pushed and choked by her 61-year-old boyfriend, who is also from Barrhead," he said, adding he was located and arrested before being released on conditions. His first court appearance is set for Aug. 19.
The next day received a complaint from a 17-year-old Barrhead male who stated that he had been assaulted by his father earlier in the month. The 44-year-old suspect was arrested and released on conditions. He is slated to appear in court July 28.
Dodds also noted they also received several B&E and theft complaints.
B&E's were reported at Barrhead Composite High School on May 14, a garden shed in Barrhead on May 15, a shed at the Legion cemetery on May 17 and the high school again on May 18. Theft complaints included an Infinity Mercury 26 inch bicycle from a residence in Barrhead on May 14, a motion light from a residence in Barrhead on May 15, household items from a residence in Barrhead on May 18 and a set of binoculars from a locked truck in Barrhead on May 19.
He also noted motor vehicle collisions are on the rise. Seven collisions were reported four involving deer while the others were minor fender benders in the downtown area. Luckily no injuries were reported.
