Man facing new charges after arrest by Picture Butte RCMP

Picture Butte RCMP earlier this week arrested a wanted offender in possession of a stolen vehicle.

On Sunday at approximately 3:10 a.m., an RCMP member conducted an investigation into what appeared to be suspicious activity involving a man driving a truck in a parking lot behind a convenience store off Highway 25.

Following a vehicle stop, it was determined both the truck and the licence plate on the truck were stolen. The driver was arrested, and a search of the vehicle revealed more stolen licence plates out of Calgary.

Robert James Dunbar, 31, of Okotoks was taken into police custody. He is facing new criminal charges of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and three counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He is also charged with two offences under the Traffic Safety Act.

At the time of this incident, Dunbar was wanted on two outstanding arrest warrants; one out of Coaldale and one out of Okotoks. A bail hearing was held and Dunbar remains in custody.

“This is a great example of an RCMP officer being aware of the community concerns about property crimes, and being alert to a situation that appeared suspicious” said Sgt. Tom Howell, Detachment Commander of Picture Butte RCMP, in a news release.

“We anticipate that proactive patrols and a focus on targeting crime areas means that our communities will ultimately see less crime committed.”