Bar fight in Rimbey New Year’s Eve

In the last week, the Rimbey RCMP detachment investigated more than 40 complaints.

Highlights of the week’s calls for service include theft, assaults, break and enters and arresting wanted persons.

New Year’s Eve brawl

Officers responded to a large bar fight New Year’s Eve in Rimbey. The donnybrook involved several locals who had decided to settle their differences in an inappropriate manner. Around the same time an underage female, a resident of Sundre, lost her footing on an exterior balcony of the drinking establishment and fell quite a distance to the ground. The girl was transported by EMS and treated at the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Equipment stolen from oilfield

On Jan. 1 between 2:20 and 2:40 a.m., two culprits entered an oilfield site near Highway 22 west of Rimbey. The thieves used a cutting torch to remove a lock on a sea can and stole tools and other oilfield related equipment from the container. An ATV Gator was also stolen from the scene.

Home, vehicle pilfered

During the last week there were several theft and break and enter complaints in Rimbey and surrounding area. One residence on Secondary Highway 607 northwest of Rimbey was broken. The culprit pried the back door and stole tools and electronic equipment from the home. The RCMP forensic identification section attended and the investigation into this incident is ongoing. In a separate incident, a vehicle was broken into during the night and all the expensive stereo equipment was stolen.

Drunk drivers arrested

An impaired driver was arrested and charged with numerous offences including possession of marijuana. Police arrested a second impaired driver who was also found to be a suspended driver for having too many demerits on his license. In both cases, vehicles were seized and the accused parties will appear in Rimbey provincial court on March 2.

Mounties investigating weapons thefts

Police continue to pursue leads involving a break and enter where numerous guns and knives were stolen from a merchant. In Alberta, the RCMP are taking these matters seriously and have created a new task force to concentrate on the increased theft and the illegal trafficking of firearms. In this case, police are exploring all avenues of investigation and are not discarding any possibilities. The Rimbey RCMP with assistance from the forensic identification section continue the investigation into this matter.

Suspected drug trafficker arrested

Ashley Snook, 26, of Rimbey, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for breaching a conditional sentence order. Additional charges are also pending.

Motorists ticketed for offenses

Rimbey Mounties patrolling the highways were surprised to see so many drivers with the pedal to the metal. Several tickets were handed out for speeds exceeding 40 km/h over the posted limit. If your new year’s resolution was to save money this year, please carry your documents with you at all times in case you are stopped. The fines for not producing your license, registration or valid insurance immediately upon the request by the officer are $172 each. The fine for not having valid insurance is $2,875 for first-time offenders.

Crime Watch meeting Jan. 25

The RCMP is looking forward to meeting Rural Crime Watch Association members at their annual general meeting at the Leedale Hall on Jan. 25. Tickets for the event, which include a fantastic supper, are available at Rimbey detachment. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please call the Rimbey RCMP at (403) 843-2224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, #8477 on Telus Mobility or *8477 on Rogers AT&T.

Crime Stoppers is a community program that does work. Do your part and call now.