It was quite the find for the RCMP.
On Aug. 15, Airdrie Rural and Beiseker RCMP uncovered a cache of stolen farm equipment worth more about $500,000 on a rural property near Balzac.
As a result, police have charged Darin James, 38, of Balzac, with multiple offences including theft over $5,000.
Police were led to the residence after Leduc RCMP notified Airdrie authorities that a stolen $99,000 arbourist vehicle was in the area. It was located through an on-board GPS.
Upon finding the equipment, RCMP discovered other items they believe to be stolen worth about $400,000. Additional stolen items included forklifts, skid loaders, trailers and other pieces of machinery.
James is previously known to police and breached a conditional sentence order regarding property-related offences.
The seized equipment is being examined to determine ownership.
The Calgary Police Service and Chestermere RCMP worked together to capture a man accused of shooting a gun in Calgary.
On Aug. 15 at about 10:22 p.m., a shooting took place in Calgary. A male suspect was then followed by Calgary Police’s HAWCS helicopter. The suspect fled to a Chestermere residence where he was arrested without incident.
“The occupant was told to exit with loud speaker,” said Chestermere RCMP Cpl. Lee Grieco-Savoy. “Two got out and both were arrested. One was released as we realized they had no involvement.”
The suspect was then turned over to Calgary authorities.
Sometime during the evening of Aug. 2, more than 200 feet of live copper wire was stolen from a power site near CrossIron Mills mall in Balzac. The wire was worth about $10,000 and was stolen from the main power service to Bass Pro Shop.
Police are unsure how the suspects were able to remove the wire safely and said they would have to possess a strong understanding of electrical work and specialized tools.
Airdrie RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) broke up a hydroponic grow-op at 517 Main Street, Aug. 16.
Upon entering the house, police found a small grow-op in the basement and seized six plants with a street value of $7,500.
Two adult males were taken into custody and charged with production of a controlled substance. An investigation is ongoing to determine ownership and possible further charges.
If you have any information on unsolved crimes, call your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
