Theft victim helps RCMP arrest armed, wanted man

Armed with nothing more than a desire to retrieve his stolen SUV, a man helped Mounties capture an armed and wanted 26-year-old man, RCMP said.

On Monday, the man spotted his stolen SUV parked in an alley in downtown Red Deer at 8:45 a.m.

As Mounties responded, three suspects fled the scene. A struggle ensued with a 26-year-old, who was resisting arrest.

The SUV owner stood at a safe distance, but when the suspect broke free, he jumped into action and helped the Mountie take the suspect into custody.

From the scene, RCMP seized a stolen, loaded sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, a knife, break and enter tools, and drug paraphernalia.

Corim Kyle Conway, 26, who was wanted on nine outstanding warrants, was arrested and now faces 16 charges of possession of stolen property and weapons charges, among others.

“RCMP always caution the public not to engage with criminals or put themselves in harm’s way, especially because, as demonstrated in this instance, the criminals may be carrying weapons,” said Cpl. Karyn Kay with the Red Deer RCMP.

“However, we sincerely thank this citizen for his intervention. He did the right thing — he stayed back to let the police do their jobs, then offered assistance at a crucial point, taking direction from the police officer.

“He played an important role in our getting to an outcome where no one was injured.”

Mounties continue to investigate as they look for the stolen 2003 silver Dodge Durango.