submitted by St. Albert RCMP
With the recent increase in thefts from motor vehicles, St. Albert RCMP have been conducting late-night proactive patrols in unmarked police vehicles.
On October 19, 2022, at approximately 1:30 a.m., St. Albert RCMP observed a blue GMC Jimmy travelling south on St. Albert Trail with its license plate covered with a piece of cardboard. RCMP initiated a traffic stop, identified the male driver and learned he was on multiple conditions from previous release orders. The male driver was not to be in the driver’s seat of any vehicle, among other conditions. The license plate attached to the vehicle was not for the GMC Jimmy, and the vehicle was not registered. The male driver was placed under arrest for breaching his release conditions.
Inside the vehicle, in plain view, RCMP saw a grinder, reciprocating saw, multiple saw blades, a mask, gloves and two catalytic converters. The tools located are commonly used to steal catalytic converters, for which St. Albert RCMP has seen a significant rise in.
Terry Joseph Pitts (49), a resident of Morinville, Alta., was charged with:
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (X5)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Possession of Break In Tools
Terry Joseph Pitts was held for a Judicial Interim Hearing and Remanded in Custody. He will appear in St. Albert Provincial Court on October 24, 2022.
St. Albert RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
