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Plea reserved in alleged vehicle theft case

One of two suspects arrested near Red Deer by police tracking a vehicle theft in Calgary has reserved her plea after making an appearance in Red Deer provincial court on Monday.

One of two suspects arrested near Red Deer by police tracking a vehicle theft in Calgary has reserved her plea after making an appearance in Red Deer provincial court on Monday.

Airdrie resident Melissa Johnston, 28, was arrested along with Darren Bergman, 28, of Calgary by RCMP members assisting a Calgary police helicopter that was following a northbound pickup truck on Friday afternoon.

Cpl. Darrin Turnbull of the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit said suspects inside the fleeing vehicle were unaware that they were being followed until a spike belt was deployed to disable the vehicle.

Police allege that the vehicle continued north on Hwy 2 on shredded tires for some distance before becoming inoperable, and then both suspects tried to flee on foot.

Police say a police dog apprehended the woman, who had been driving the truck, as she ran into traffic on the highway.

Johnston remains in custody pending her next court appearance, set for Oct. 9, on charges including dangerous driving and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Also behind bars, Bergman is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday on charges of possession of stolen property and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Both suspects have additional charges pending in Calgary.