Olds RCMP have arrested a man for setting fires in the road and recovered a stolen car and guns taken during a house fire in Vulcan County.
On July 31, at about 12:45 p.m., Vulcan RCMP responded to a house fire in Vulcan County. Once the residents were confirmed safe, an investigation into the suspicious nature of the fire was launched. A vehicle and several guns were also reported stolen from the property.
On Aug. 1 near Olds, a man was seen setting small fires in the middle of the road before abandoning a vehicle and fleeing on foot through a field. Olds RCMP recovered the stolen vehicle along with some of the guns taken the day before.
Collaboration between Vulcan RCMP, Olds RCMP and fire investigators led to the arrest of Luke Peterson of Okotoks on Aug. 13 in Vulcan.
Peterson has been charged with the following:
From Vulcan RCMP:
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Arson
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Theft of a motor vehicle
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Break and enter and theft (x2)
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Theft over $5,000
From Olds RCMP:
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Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized (x2)
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Possession of a firearm obtained by offence (x2)
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Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public (x2)
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Careless storage of a firearm (x2)
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Possession of property obtained by crime (x2)
After a judicial interim release hearing, Peterson was remanded into custody. His next court appearance is set for Aug. 21 in Lethbridge provincial court.
A second person was also arrested for arson and theft. She was released on documents to appear in Lethbridge court on Oct. 8. She cannot be named as the charges have not been sworn.
** With information from Alberta RCMP.
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