Strathmore, Alberta – On December 7, 2022 at approximately 3:00 p.m., Strathmore RCMP received a complaint of an erratic driver swerving in it’s lane and at times nearly side swiping other vehicles. The vehicle was reported travelling Eastbound on Highway 1 towards Strathmore which was encountered by responding members at the intersection of Highway 1 and Westmount Road. The vehicle appeared stalled and the driver was observed exiting the vehicle in an attempt to leave the area. The driver was taken into custody. The vehicle left stalled in the intersection was stolen earlier in the day from Innisfail, and contained other stolen items including a purse and other bags. The driver was also bound by three separate driving prohibitions and was exhibiting indicia of impairment by drug.
The driver was returned to the Detachment for sobriety testing however refused to complete the examination. During a search of the vehicle and driver’s effects, several pieces of identification and credit cards were found which did not belong to him. Several unauthorized purchases were confirmed by the owners of the identification and credit cards.
The driver, Matthew BURTON a 34 year old male with no fixed address was held for a bail hearing and charged with:
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000;
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000;
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited X 3;
Unlawful Possession of Government Documents X 8;
Unlawful Use of a Credit Card;
Failure to Comply with a Demand (impairment by drug); and
Other Traffic Safety Act offences.
BURTON was released on conditions to appear at a later date. The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be laid. “I’d like to thank the motorist who reported the erratic driving of this vehicle. It led to the recovery of stolen property and in no small measure helped to keep our roads safe.” Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz – Detachment Commander Strathmore RCMP.
Strathmore RCMP
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