A Ponoka homeowner who tried to stop a man from stealing his vehicle was beaten and threatened with a gun by the thief.
Ponoka RCMP said they got a call at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday of a reported robbery at a 53rd Avenue residence.
Police said a lone man in disguise got into the victim’s vehicle while it was running in the driveway. The victim came out and noticed the suspect in the driver’s seat.
“A physical altercation occurred and the suspect was pulled from the vehicle,” said police.
“The suspect is then alleged to have assaulted the victim and threats were made with a firearm that was not seen at the time of the incident.
“The victim suffered minor injuries.”
The suspect then fled the area in the vehicle and headed northbound from Ponoka on Highway 2A.
Additional RCMP detachments were advised in the surrounding area. Wetaskiwin RCMP members located the vehicle in their area and a pursuit began, but was called off due to public safety.
A short time later, a tip was received by the public and the vehicle was located stuck in a ditch on Highway 616.
The suspect was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
Dalton Jeffries, 19, of no fixed address, has been charged with robbery, disguised with intent to commit an offence, flight from police, dangerous driving and failing to comply with a probation order and release conditions.
Jeffries remains in custody and is due in Ponoka provincial court on Friday.