A Manitoba man is facing vehicle theft charges following an RCMP investigation into reports that a van was swerving and frequently veering onto the shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Calgary.
Officers responded to an area west of the town of Strathmore on the afternoon of October 1, but their pursuit was short-lived as the suspect vehicle, a white van, had already pulled over on the side of the highway.
RCMP officials say the driver was outside the van “in a confused state” and there were signs he had been drinking.
A roadside breath test prompted a 72-hour driver’s license suspension, RCMP said, but further investigation determined the 42-year-old Manitoba man was driving on a suspended license and the van had been stolen in Calgary approximately six hours earlier.
Scott Larocque of Steinbach, Man., faces charges of:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000;
- Two counts of failure to comply with condition of release; and,
- Traffic Safety Act violations related to suspension of driving.
“This report is a positive example of what can be found with timely reporting of suspicious activity or suspected impaired driving,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz, commander of the Strathmore RCMP detachment, in a statement. “Our members were able to respond in a timely manner to prevent further risk to the public and recover a stolen vehicle.”
Larocque remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
RCMP confirm the van has been returned to its rightful owner.
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