Pair charged after stealing guns, setting fire to SUV

Male arrested after stolen vehicle bogs down; female tracked by police dogs

Two people have been arrested by Grande Prairie RCMP after a theft and arson in Beaverlodge.

A man and woman broke into a rural residence at 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 28 near Beaverlodge, according to an RCMP news release Thursday.

While there, the pair stole several guns. RCMP said they were believed to be driving an SUV at the time.

The homeowner then saw the SUV around 5 p.m. and called police.

The woman took off into a wooded area, RCMP said.

The man kept driving towards Elmworth until the SUV got stuck on a back road.

The male suspect then lit the vehicle on fire and walked away.

RCMP arrived on scene and arrested the man a short time later without incident.

Following an investigation, it was determined the SUV had been stolen from Whitecourt.

Beaverlodge RCMP got a little help from the Grande Prairie Police Dog Services Unit tracking the female suspect and arresting her.

Jeremia Johnston, 37, of Saskatchewan has been charged with break and enter to a residence, arson, possession of stolen property over $5,000, three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, breach of conditions, three counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of possession of a weapon contrary to an order, and three counts of possession of a firearm without a licence.

Desiree Johnston, 33, of Hythe has been charged with break and enter to a residence, possession of stolen property over $5,000, two counts of possession of stolen under $5,000, three counts of theft under $5,000, three counts of fail to comply with recognizance, and three counts of possession of a firearm without a licence.

Both were remanded into custody and were scheduled to appear in Grande Prairie provincial court March 6.

Grande Prairie RCMP were asking anyone with information to call the detachment at 780-8305701.

To submit a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477, or go online to www.tipsubmit.com.