INNISFAIL – Two men -- one of whom has been on the lam from police for a while -- are facing numerous charges, including weapons offences, after police responded to a complaint of two individuals trying to pull a jacknifed trailer out of a ditch northwest of Innisfail on May 16.
When RCMP responded to the scene on C and E Trail at about 7:30 a.m. officers determined that the truck the men were driving, the trailer and a second truck secured to the trailer were all stolen, said Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler.
Police searched the vehicles and seized a loaded sawed-off shotgun, about 60 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $3,600, a knife and bear spray.
Officers also found that one of the two men involved were wanted on numerous outstanding warrants stemming from investigations at Sundre, Okotoks, Blackfalds, Airdrie and the Red Deer probation office.
Lester Martin, 34, of Lacombe faces 20 charges, including possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and possession of a controlled substance.
Mitchell Lewis Engler, 34, of Olds, has been charged with 26 offences, including possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, and eight charges of failing to comply.
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Police had issued an arrest warrant for Engler last month in connection with a big haul of stolen property discovered northeast of Calgary in Carbon as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Team.
The vehicles recovered — five trucks, a boat and trailer as well as other vehicles — had been stolen from several jurisdictions, including Sherwood Park, Airdrie, Calgary, Three Hills, Carstairs and Red Deer. Starr Bowman, 32, of Olds, and Devon Tanner, 34, were both charged with possession of a motor vehicle over $5,000, three counts of possession of stolen property, and four counts of failing to comply with an order.
Engler had been charged with possession of a motor vehicle over $5,000 in relation to the Carbon investigation.
As of May 12, police had not been able to locate him, and a warrant for Engler’s arrest was issued. He was also wanted on warrants out of Blackfalds and Sundre.
At the time, police reported that Engler might be in possession of weapons, and urged the public to refrain from approaching the suspect if he is seen.
Both Engler and Martin have been remanded in custody pending May 25 appearances in Red Deer provincial court.
