Two of five in police raid appear in court

A couple of men charged in relation to a police raid during the week on a downtown residence made brief appearances Friday in Lethbridge provincial court. And while one of the men was released on bail, the other will remain in custody at least until next week.

Both men appeared by closedcircuit TV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, where Victor Cassidy Running Rabbit of Lethbridge was remanded until his next court hearing Tuesday. Rodney Kelsey Bottle, however, was released on a $2,000 no cash recognizance, and conditions that he remain in Alberta, report weekly to the Lethbridge Police Service, avoid contact with Running Rabbit, obey a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day, and not possess any weapons.

The two accused are among five people who were arrested Tuesday after police searched a home in the 600 block of 8 Street South. Police reportedly seized heroin, methamphetamine and about $15,000 worth of stolen property, including tools, high-end bikes, electronics, more than 100 backpacks and purses, credit cards, cheques and other property often stolen during incidents of car prowling, then traded for drugs.

Running Rabbit, 32, is charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, four counts of possession of stolen property, three counts of breach of a recognizance and one count of possession of identity documents.

Bottle, 36, of Cardston is charged with two counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of simple drug possession, possession of stolen property, and breach of a recognizance. His next court hearing is set for Oct. 25.

Lethbridge residents Jesse Dean Davidson, Diane Taylor Smith and Mariah Shanice Old Shoes were also charged following the police bust.