In response to community concerns about property crime, members of the Western Alberta District (WAD) Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) recently conducted a proactive enforcement initiative in the Town of Grimshaw which resulted in multiple charges against several individuals.

On March 12, 2024, CRU members attempted a traffic stop with a suspicious vehicle, which fled from police. The vehicle was located a short time later and the driver, who was wearing body armor and had a loaded firearm in the vehicle, was taken into custody. Dustin St. Laurent (38), a resident of Peace River, Alta., faces a total of 19 charges including Flight from police, Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, multiple counts of failing to comply with court orders, and multiple firearms-related offenses.

Approximately 1 hour later, CRU members located a stolen vehicle driving on 52 Ave. It was covertly followed to a local gas station where a male occupant was arrested. Ray Sawan (26), a resident of Peace River, faces multiple charges including 2 counts of Possession of property obtained by crime, Fraudulent concealment, Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and Possession of a controlled substance. The vehicle had been stolen from Peace River in February 2024.

On March 13, CRU members conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle where a male occupant, later identified as 30-year-old Grimshaw resident Scott Parker, was taken into custody on multiple arrest warrants.

Later the same day, members attempted a traffic stop with a suspicious vehicle on Highway 2 in Grimshaw. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and was later observed by surveillance units who followed it and took the driver into custody. Christopher Valin (31), a resident of the MD of Peace, Alta., faces charges for Flight from police, Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and Operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He was released on conditions to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on May 6, 2024.

On March 14, 2024, CRU members located a stolen vehicle in Grimshaw. Jesse Jackson (43), a resident of Grimshaw, was charged with 2 counts of Possession of property obtained by crime, Fraudulent concealment, and Operating an uninsured motor vehicle. The vehicle had been stolen from Grande Prairie in December 2023.

St. Laurent, Sawan, Jackson and Parker were brought before a justice of the peace.

St. Laurent, Sawan and Jackson were remanded into custody while Parker was released. They are all to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on March 25, 2024.