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Red Deer break-in suspects face trial

Two men accused of break-ins and thefts from Red Deer businesses have been ordered to stand trial.

Two men accused of break-ins and thefts from Red Deer businesses have been ordered to stand trial.

Christopher William Davis of Red Deer and Jaret Szoke of Sylvan Lake had previously elected trial by Court of Queen’s Bench judge and jury, but had not decided whether to go straight to trial or ask for a preliminary hearing.

In court on Tuesday, their lawyers determined that the case should go straight to trial without the preliminary hearing. Such inquiries are generally held to weigh the Crown’s case against a suspect or suspects.

Davis and Szoke, both 35, were arrested on Feb. 26 by police investigating a series of property crimes, including break-in and theft at the Peavey Mart store at the south side of Red Deer.

Police allege that a search of a home in Sylvan Lake and of a vehicle pulled over in Red Deer uncovered a variety of stolen tools and other goods reported missing from Red Deer businesses including Peavey Mart, the Loblaw gas station and Baker Petrolite.

Both accused remain in custody pending the outcome of their trial. A date has not been set.