A 25-year-old Morley man already charged in connection to a spree of car thefts from Canmore and Exshaw in January has been arrested again by Cochrane RCMP.
Tylane Edward Hunter was arrested again in February after a short foot chase by officers after being observed in the Fisher Avenue area of Cochrane.
According to a press release from the detachment, further investigation discovered evidence suggesting Hunter was involved in a series of vehicle thefts in Cochrane, Calgary and the surrounding area.
The investigation led to more charges in relation to six stolen vehicles reported over the month prior and, according to the RCMP, at the time of his arrest he was actively stealing two to three motor vehicles per day.
“In almost all cases, the offender would seek out vehicles that were left unattended, running with the keys in the ignition,” wrote Const. Kary Moore. “The Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit will continue to actively monitor this offender in an effort to prevent similar crimes.”
Hunter has been charged with five counts of theft of motor vehicle, theft under $5,000, theft or misuse of a credit card, operation of a motor vehicle while being pursued by police, resisting arrest, possession of the property obtained by crime over and under $5,000 and failing to comply with conditions.
Those conditions of release were for charges in both Cochrane and Canmore in relation to other vehicle thefts.
Hunter was arrested in January after allegedly stealing a vehicle from Exshaw that was immobilized with the assistance of an On-Star device. Hunter fled on foot and with the assistance of Canmore and Cochrane officers, as well as a police dog, he was located and arrested.
He was charged in relation to all seven stolen vehicles from the Bow Valley that occurred during the first 10 days of 2018.
Hunter was also charged with two counts of flight from police, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, six counts of possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of mischief, trafficking in property obtained by crime, possession of methamphetamine and driving without a licence or insurance.
Hunter has since pleaded not guilty to those charges and set a trial date of Sept. 28 and Oct. 1 in Canmore.
Cochrane RCMP, in efforts to target repeat offenders, also arrested another suspect in the theft of a motor vehicle from Canmore on March 2.
The Cochrane crime reduction team has been conducting checks on properties associated with repeat offenders and during the early morning hours discovered a truck reported stolen from Canmore the previous day.
Police identified a single set of footprints in freshly fallen snow, which led directly from the driver’s door of the stolen vehicle to the home of Greg Deviat, who was later arrested. A second vehicle reported stolen from Airdrie was also recovered nearby.
On March 9, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley announced $10 million to fight rural crime, including supports for crime reduction units like Cochrane’s, specialized intelligence, more crown prosecutors, enhanced technology and more civilian positions to support investigators.
“The support announced today by Minister Ganley represents a significant contribution to the safety of Albertans,” said deputy commissioner and Alberta RCMP commanding officer Todd Shean.
“This funding will enable us to greatly expand our crime reduction efforts across Alberta and strengthen our criminal intelligence program. If you are committing crime in Alberta, we will identify you and we will stop you.”
