Airdrie Rural RCMP, along with RCMP from Gleichen, have made three arrests in connection with a series of thefts across multiple jurisdictions, including Rocky View County, according to Airdrie RCMP Media Liaison Constable Jason Curtis.
Ranell Mary Lee Calf, 20, of Red Deer, Lyle Brennan Yellowfly, 19, of the Siksika Nation and Lindros Brett Cutter, 20, of the Siksika Nation face multiple charges including forcible confinement, robbery with a weapon, theft of vehicles and possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes.
All three were taken into custody, however, Curtis did not know if they had since been released on bail.
“It was Gleichen RCMP who made the arrest and processed them,” he said.
“Airdrie Crime Reduction Unit and an Airdrie Rural RCMP member went out to interview them and collect evidence.”
The three are accused of being involved in the theft of a vehicle from the Crossfield Esso gas station on Sept. 11, at approximately 7:50 a.m., according to Curtis.
The vehicle was recovered approximately two hours later in a rural area along with another vehicle that had been stolen from Strathmore earlier. The RCMP Police Dog Services and Forensic Identification Section were called in to help investigate the scene.
Shortly afterwards, RCMP were called to Didsbury where two women had been assaulted with bear spray, according to Curtis, and then forcibly confined in their vehicle for a short time. The suspects stole a number of the women’s personal valuables.
At the same time, RCMP was called to a theft at a liquor store in Sylvan Lake. Curtis said the suspects in this crime matched the description of those involved in the other crimes.
At approximately 3 p.m., RCMP officers from Gleichen were dispatched to the scene of a collision involving the three suspects. Investigators determined the vehicle involved was stolen, though Curtis did not know from where. The suspects were no longer at the scene when officers arrived, according to Curtis.
Gleichen RCMP was able to arrest the three suspects after further investigation, with assistance from the Airdrie Crime Reduction Unit and Airdrie Rural RCMP.
Curtis said the investigation determined Calf, Yellowfly and Cutter were involved in all of the incidents as well an armed robbery in Gleichen at a liquor store at 4 a.m. on Sept. 11.
“These are all very concerning crimes, in broad daylight,” Curtis said. “They were allegedly using force against individuals and forcible confinement, assault with a weapon. All very, very concerning.”
