Alberta RCMP arrest suspect after chase that included snowmobiles, helicopter

RCMP in southern Alberta have arrested a suspected thief following a chase that included a helicopter, snowmobiles, a police dog team and the suspect’s Labrador retriever.

Mounties said an officer responded to reports of a stolen snowmobile and stopped a truck towing the machine on a highway. The ordeal began shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Police say the two got into a fight and the suspect fled in the truck, almost hitting the Mountie.

RCMP from nearby detachments rushed to help their comrade and chased the truck until it became stuck in snow.

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The suspect then took off on the snowmobile with his Labrador, as Mounties on snowmobiles followed in pursuit.

The Calgary police helicopter then located the suspect and Mounties, including an RCMP dog team, made the arrest.

“This incident highlights the unpredictability of offenders,” Sgt. Troy Dobson said Wednesday in a release.

“The collaboration with Calgary Police Service was also instrumental in the positive outcome.”

RCMP said upwards of 18 charges were pending, including assaulting a police officer, flight from police, dangerous driving and other offences.

Police said the 34-year-old suspect was taken to hospital for injuries he suffered when the snowmobile he was driving hit a tree.

At the time of his arrest, police said the suspect was wanted on 29 outstanding warrants. Police said his name cannot be released because he not been officially charged.

The Mountie who scuffled with the suspect was not hurt, nor was the Labrador.