On August 20 at approximately 1:40 p.m., Strathmore RCMP was notified two stolen vehicles had fled from a member in Three Hills who attempted a traffic stop after confirming one was stolen. Strathmore members obtained a visual of the vehicles as they headed South on Highway 21.

An unmarked unit followed one of the stolen vehicles, a Black mid 2010’s model Ram pickup at a distance. The vehicle travelled west and back to Highway 21 North through Airdrie Rural area. The vehicle continued until it turned West on Highway 27 towards Olds. Olds Detachment members deployed a tire deflation device East of Highway 2 which was effective in disabling the vehicle.

The offender drove the stolen truck on flat tires Westbound until it could no longer be operated. The following Strathmore member moved in and took the offender into custody as Olds members moved in to help clear the vehicle.

The truck was recovered with stolen property and illicit substances found inside. The offender identified as Mitchell Engler, a 37  year old resident of Innisfail was transported to the Strathmore Detachment where he was charged with 15 new offences and remanded in custody. Charges included:

  • Flight from Peace officer;
  • Fail to comply with condition of probation X 4;
  • Fail to comply with condition of release order X 5;
  • Operate a motor vehicle while prohibited;
  • Possession of a controlled substance X 2;
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Engler at the time of his arrest was subject to a driving prohibition, bound by two probation orders; and two other release orders for 25 outstanding charges involving drugs, failure to comply with conditions, prohibited driving, and property offences.