Okotoks, Alta. – On Dec. 15, 2019, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Okotoks RCMP were patrolling in the area of Canadian Tire and were flagged down by a victim who had been parked when his catalytic converter was cut off and stolen by an unknown suspect. The victim advised police that the suspect had fled in a white Chevrolet truck.
Additional members of the Okotoks RCMP responded immediately and located a vehicle matching that description nearby. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested and a search of the vehicle resulted in the following items being seized: catalytic converters, power tools and a small amount of suspected cocaine.
“Due to the quick response of the Okotoks RCMP members, the stolen property was recovered and this theft was solved.” said Okotoks Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Zane Semaniuk.
Ryan McLaren (38) from Okotoks, Alta., and Paul Joseph Bertoli (38) from Calgary have been jointly charged with several offences including:
· Possession of property under $5,000
· Possession of break in instruments
· Theft under $5,000
· Mischief under $5,000
· Possession of a controlled substance
Both accused were released with conditions following a judicial hearing and are scheduled to appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on Jan. 17, 2020.