File Photo
On March 14 at approximately 10:25 a.m., Kitscoty RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious vehicle parked behind the church. Investigation determined the vehicle was stolen from the Saskatoon. area. Kitscoty RCMP identified a potential suspect and utilized covert police tactics that resulted in the arrest of a male as he was about to get in the vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, Joseph Merryfield, 41, a resident of Paradise Valley, Alta., was arrested and charged with the following:
- Possession of Stolen Property over $5000
- Fail to comply with probation order
- Drive motor vehicle while unauthorized (TSA)
Merryfield was held for a judicial interim release hearing. Following the hearing, Merryfield was released on a release order with court set for April 11 at Lloydminster Provincial Court.
“In this case, a call from the public regarding a suspicious vehicle led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the apprehension of an offender. This is a an excellent example of the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour when it comes to combating small town/rural crime,” said Sgt. Corey Buckingham, Kitscoty RCMP Detachment Commander.
