Three different Central Alberta RCMP detachments chased after and arrested a Red Deer man.
The 31-year-old suspect was reported to have been attempting to steal a snowmobile when he pointed a hand gun at the vehicle’s owner. The suspect then fled the scene in a different vehicle.
Sylvan Lake RCMP were first called to the Friday afternoon break and enter and attempted robbery.
The snowmobile’s owner followed the suspect at a safe distance and directed police officers to the area where the suspect was.
Police responded to the area of Rainy Creek Road near Hwy 20, where it was reported the suspect was fleeing east. Police picked up the vehicle in Bentley where two occupants fled from the vehicle on foot.
Officers chased after the suspects on foot in the town. Unfortunately, one of the suspects was able to return to the vehicle and take off from the area.
Police initiated a pursuit eastbound on Hwy 12 outside of Bentley.
During the chase, police said the suspect attempted to ram the lead police vehicle by backing up at a high rate of speed towards the vehicle. This proved unsuccessful.
The pursuit continued east on Hwy 12 where a spike belt was placed. The suspect attempted to avoid the belt, but ended up getting stuck in the snowy ditch.
Christopher Stephen Wales, 31, was then arrested. Police said they found a small semi-automatic weapon in the vehicle, within easy reach of the driver.
Wales has been charged with pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, theft over $5,000, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, assault, assault with a weapon, break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance.
Wales has been remanded into custody and will make his first court appearance Tuesday in Red Deer provincial court.