Beiseker RCMP is seeking the public’s help in locating three males who pulled off an unusual heist in the early morning April 20 at the Mountain View Credit Union in Linden.
Utilizing chains hooked to a light-coloured Ford F-350, the suspects allegedly drove off with a bank ATM from the bank’s front foyer area at approximately 3 a.m.
Though the exact method of removal was not visible via video surveillance, Beiseker RCMP Constable Benedict Chen said it was likely the suspects used tools during the operation.
“From what it looks like, they used tools to make some areas where they could hook (chains) on,” he said. “Then, they attached it to their truck and took off.”
The suspects were spotted dragging the ATM east on Township Road 304 and leaving a trail of debris behind. According to Chen, the suspects appeared to be attempting to destroy the ATM to gain access to the safe contained inside.
RCMP received a call at approximately 3:30 a.m. and responded to the scene of a vehicle fire and determined it was the same vehicle involved in the ATM theft. A trail of pieces from the destroyed ATM led up to the truck.
Chen could not say how much money would have been recovered from the ATM.
“There’s a secondary safe inside the ATM machine. That is what they’re after. It is quite hard to break into,” he said. “I’m not an expert, it depends on the model you have. But as far as I know it’s relatively difficult.”
Stephen Brosinsky, vice-president of operations at Mountain View Credit Union, said secondary safes contained in ATM machines like the one stolen were very difficult to break into.
“I haven’t heard yet whether it’s been located or not. I’d love if it were returned, for sure,” he said.
A suspicious vehicle reported earlier in the evening may have been involved in the incident. That truck is described as a dark blue 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and may be traveling with an attached trailer.
Assault on officer
Cochrane RCMP has charged 30-year-old Cody Lee Brown with several charges following a dangerous driving incident April 16 that turned into an assault on a police officer.
“A suspicious vehicle stopped on Quigley Drive (in Cochrane),” said Sergeant Jack Poitras, a spokesman for Alberta RCMP. “The suspect vehicle drove forward and dragged the RCMP member on the road. They were transported to local hospital by EMS.”
The RCMP member was treated for minor injuries at hospital and released, according to Poitras. Poitras could not say specifically what led to the officer being dragged.
Following an investigation, Brown was charged outside Calgary without incident. Charges include aggravated assault on a police officer, assault on a police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failure to remain at the scene of the accident, among other charges. He will appear in court in Cochrane May 24.
Vehicle rollovers
A passenger van carrying seven people rolled over eastbound on Highway 1 April 20 and resulted in two fatalities, according to EMS Spokesman Stuart Brideaux.
“It didn’t involve any other vehicles or any other mitigating factors or concerns. Whether something came in their path, it seems it started and ended with this vehicle,” he said. “From different witness accounts, there may have been an issue with a swerve or an overcorrection ultimately going into this ditch.
“It’s not quite clear, but (according to) witness accounts, it had rolled several times before it came to rest on its roof. The vehicle was substantially damaged, that’s for sure.”
Two people were ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased on scene. All five remaining occupants were transported to Foothills Hospital in Calgary. STARS Air Ambulance transported one occupant in life-threatening condition to hospital.
“It was a very chaotic scene, suffice to say,” Brideaux said. “They were all in serious condition at the time of transport.”
Brideaux could not provide an update on the condition of the five occupants transported to hospital. Brideaux could not confirm whether the individuals ejected from the vehicle had been wearing seatbelts.
“That’s under question at this time,” he said. “Belted passengers are not ejected. One or more were not likely (using) a seatbelt.”
Another vehicle rollover April 17 sent two occupants to hospital, according to a release.
One occupant suffered a serious injury and the other suffered a minor injury. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision.
If you have any information about any crime, contact your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at tipsubmit.com
