Strathmore RCMP kept busy

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Local law enforcement was involved in several incidents this past weekend, ranging from a jewelry scam to a vehicle pursuit and a firearms complaint.
Strathmore RCMP warned the public on May 30 about a recent jewelry scam in which individuals sold fraudulent gold jewelry in the parking lots of local businesses.
A total of four separate reports since May 13 revealed members of the public were approached in a business’ parking lot by individuals selling the trinkets as authentic gold. Those who purchased the items later found out the gold was fake.
According to the Strathmore RCMP, the reports vary with both men and women, described as Middle Eastern between the ages of 30 and 50, selling the fraudulent jewelry.
It is also reported that in most instances a blue Dodge Journey with an Ontario or Quebec license plate was observed.
Similar reports have surfaced in Vulcan, Halkirk and Sundre, and in areas of Saskatchewan throughout the month of May. Those who fell victim to the scams stated the scammer appealed to their emotions, stressing urgency of needing to make enough money to return home.
“When scams are combined with an emotional appeal for help, unfortunately it is easier for people to be drawn in and become a victim,” said RCMP constable Denzil Morey, media resource officer with the Strathmore RCMP.
Anyone with further information can contact the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3968 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by phone at 1-800-222-8477 or online at tipsubmit.com.

Teamwork stops firearm incident
The Strathmore RCMP and Calgary Police Service worked together in responding to a complaint of a 64-year-old man threatening people with a firearm in Wrangler Park, a commercial district southwest of Chestermere in Rocky View County.
The incident occurred at 9 a.m. on May 31 when members of the Calgary Police Service apprehended the suspect without any issues and handed custody over to the Strathmore RCMP.
Johnnie Edward Alexis of Calgary was charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats, and firearm offences. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Strathmore Provincial Court on July 17. No one was injured during the incident.

Arrest puts end to pursuit
Charges are pending against a 31-year-old Airdrie man whose poor driving patterns caught the attention of Strathmore RCMP and spurred an investigation into the man’s sobriety.
Strathmore RCMP received a call at 7:09 a.m. on June 1, regarding a possible impaired driver on Highway 1 in Rocky View County. Police responded and attempted to stop the suspect vehicle after it was spotted near Strathmore town limits. However, the driver evaded police and refused to stop. The RCMP then initiated a pursuit and were able to stop the vehicle and apprehend the lone driver a short time later. The investigation is ongoing.