Three charged after stolen vehicle recovered by Suppression Team

Lethbridge Police have charged three people after members of the Crime Suppression Team recovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Pincher Creek.

On Monday, a CST member observed a stolen Dodge Charger travelling in the area of 2A Avenue and 13 Street North. Police followed the driver to a business along the 500 block of 13 Street North and used a vehicle intervention technique to pin the vehicle in place. The driver began revving the engine in an effort to flee but was unable to move the vehicle. The driver and two passengers were subsequently arrested, police said in a news release.

During searches incidental to arrest, police seized a small quantity of fentanyl, methamphetamine, bear spray and a knife.

Aedan Tanya Betts, 19, of Lethbridge, is charged with: possession of stolen property over $5,000; possession of a controlled substance; four counts of fail to comply with release order; drive while prohibited; two counts of fail to comply with probation; and drive uninsured motor vehicle.

Hailey Michelle Pierce, 18, of Lethbridge, is charged with: two counts of possession of a controlled substance; unauthorized possession of a weapon; and fail to comply with probation

Derek Edward Schalk, 23, of Lethbridge, is charged with: possession of stolen property over $5,000; fail to comply with a release order; fail to comply with probation; drive uninsured motor vehicle (Schalk had been observed driving the vehicle earlier in the day prior to the stop); and drive without proper supervision.

All three are in custody awaiting Judicial Interim Release hearings.