On Aug. 15, Airdrie Rural and Beiseker RCMP uncovered a cache of stolen farm equipment worth about $500,000 on Darrin James’s rural property on Highway 566 and Range Road 20 near Balzac.
As a result, police have charged James, 38, 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 arborist 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, waste bins and other pieces of machinery.
Police later added an additional 13 charges after more evidence was uncovered.
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.
Less than three weeks after his brother Wade Gunoff charged with drug offences, Cody Gunoff has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Airdrie RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit arrested Cody, 25, along with Daniel Clare, 26, on Aug. 18. The two men both live in Airdrie and police believe they were trafficking Oxycontin, a popular prescription drug being targeted by criminals.
Both were arrested without incident and police confiscated the drugs.
Sometime between Aug. 19 and 21, the St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church northeast of CrossIron Mills mall was broken into and damaged.
Vandals damaged drywall and smashed out several windows, according to RCMP. Damage is currently estimated at more than $25,000. Police don’t consider this to be a hate crime and the investigation is ongoing for mischief over $5,000.
“They went through different rooms, tipped over equipment and smashed out windows,” said Const. Robert Frizzell.
RCMP suspect multiple people were involved since large objects such as a scissor lift were tipped over.
“It would have required a couple of individuals to move the size and weight of the equipment used,” he said.
If you have information on any unsolved crime, please contact the Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
