Edson RCMP arrest man after officer dragged from a vehicle while fleeing from police

RCMP in Edson have arrested one man after an officer was dragged while attempting to effect an arrest of the wanted driver of the motor vehicle.

On Wednesday, February 7th, 2018 Edson RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious person and vehicle near 55th Street and 6th Avenue in Edson, Alberta. Police were in the area and observed a vehicle matching the description leaving the scene, which was followed to a nearby gas station. At the gas station, a police officer approached the vehicle and attempted to arrest the driver who was known to be on warrants. During the arrest, it is alleged the vehicle was put in to reverse and the officer was dragged until the vehicle collided with a civilian vehicle at which time the officer freed himself.

The vehicle then fled from the gas station, but Police were able to track it as it drove northbound on 56th Street. At this time a police vehicle blocked an intersection in an attempt to contain the suspect, when it is believed the driver purposefully accelerated and struck the occupied police vehicle. The collision stopped the flight of the suspect vehicle.

The male driver was taken in to custody without further incident. He was wanted on eight outstanding warrants and is now being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing. A female passenger was also taken in to custody but was subsequently released without charge.

One police officer was taken to hospital, assessed and released with minor injuries. Edson RCMP are continuing to investigate this occurrence and are requesting anyone who witnessed this incident, and has not yet spoken to an investigator, to contact Edson RCMP at (780) 723-8800.

Charges sworn against suspect in case where officer was dragged

Edson, Alberta – Charges have been laid against the driver in the case where an officer was dragged while attempting to make an arrest.

Devin Okrainetz (41) of Edson, Alberta has been charged with assault on a police officer with a weapon x2, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, flight from police, failing to remain at the scene of an accident and failing to abide by release conditions. At the time he was wanted on eight outstanding warrants out of Edson and Hinton, Alberta for offences including break and enter to commit assault, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and fraud under $5,000.

“We are continuing our work to apprehend individuals wanted on warrant and take them off our streets,” states Sgt. Jason Pennoyer of the Edson RCMP Detachment. “Crime reduction is of the upmost importance to us as we work with our law enforcement and government partners to decrease crime.”

Okrainetz has been denied bail and is set to appear next in Edson Provincial Court on February 20th, 2018.