Grande Prairie RCMP Municipal officers with assistance from Grande Prairie RCMP Rural officers, Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Grande Prairie RCMP Police Dog Services, K Division RCMP Air Services and O Division RCMP Air Services recently laid charges during an operation.

On Jan. 29, 2023, Grande Prairie RCMP conducted an operation to target repeat offenders who flee during traffic stops.  At approximately 8:15 p.m. Grande Prairie RCMP officers attempted a traffic stop in the area of 100 Avenue and 96 Street of a vehicle they believed had been stolen earlier in the day. The suspect vehicle did not stop and fled from police at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue, and Air Services took over surveillance of the suspect vehicle. Once the suspect vehicle had stopped and the occupants had exited the vehicle, Air Services was able to provide directions to police who located and arrested two males.

The driver of the vehicle, Richard Jason Fabbi (39), a resident of Stony Plain, Alta., was wanted on numerous warrants for similar offences out of the Edmonton area, and has been charged with the following:

·Flight from police

·Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

·Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

·Resist arrest

·Obstructing a peace officer

·Operate motor vehicle while prohibited x 4

·Fail to comply with release order x 4

·Possession of break instruments

·Fail to comply with probation order

·Possession of stolen identification x 2

·Possession of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) for the purpose of trafficking

·Operate motor vehicle without insurance

Following a judicial hearing, Fabbi was remanded into custody to appear in appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on Feb. 8, 2023.

Reece Mackenzie Babik (28), a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with

·Failing to comply with a probation order

·Possession of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) for the purpose of trafficking.

Babik was released on an undertaking to attend Grande Prairie Provincial Court on Feb. 27, 2023.

“In order to remain effective while still protecting the public from offenders who choose to risk everyone’s safety to flee apprehension, our officers are always adjusting tactics,” says Sgt. Jaszczyszyn of the Grande Prairie RCMP, “Our officers will continue to use appropriate tactics, resources and technology to target these repeat offenders who cause the most harm to our communities. “

Information provided by the Grande Prairie RCMP