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A Sherwood Park man has been arrested after a stolen vehicle was driven northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 2 on Monday night. File Photo / Discover Airdrie
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A Sherwood Park man has been arrested after a stolen vehicle was driven northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 2 on Monday night. File Photo / Discover Airdrie
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A Sherwood Park man has been arrested after a stolen vehicle was driven northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 2 on Monday night.

In a news release on Wednesday, Airdrie RCMP said that at about 9 p.m. on Aug. 11, they received a request from the Calgary Police Service (CPS) to assist with a stolen vehicle investigation.

CPS indicated the vehicle — a black 2007 Acura TSX — was stolen at about 4:40 p.m. from the 2400 block of 24A Street S.W. in Calgary. When the vehicle was taken, there was a dog inside, but the suspect released the dog, and it returned home safely.

Police said the Acura was believed to be in Airdrie. Officers conducted extensive patrols before locating it travelling northbound on Highway 2.

RCMP said officers covertly followed the vehicle before it began driving northbound in the southbound lanes at excessive speed. Police said there was minimal traffic on the highway at the time.

The vehicle became stuck and officers were able to block it in. RCMP said the driver and sole occupant was arrested.

Southbound Highway 2 was closed for a short period while the suspect was taken into custody. Police said the driver was transported by ambulance to Ponoka General Hospital with minor injuries and later discharged.

RCMP said Jesse James McFawn, 29, of Sherwood Park, is charged with:

  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

  • Flight from police

  • Drive while prohibited

  • Breach of release order

  • Possession of stolen property over $5,000

Police said McFawn was remanded into custody after a judicial interim release hearing and is scheduled to appear Aug. 15 in Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.

RCMP credited assistance from the RCMP Real Time Operations Center (RTOC), based out of K Division headquarters, which they said is comprised of officers who are able to oversee and “quarterback” high-risk incidents as they unfold.

“Their involvement in these types of incidents not only increase our chances of catching a fleeing suspect, but officer safety also increases. They are truly an invaluable resource,” the release said.

Assistance was provided by RCMP officers from Olds, Didsbury, Innisfail, Sylvan Lake, Ponoka, Blackfalds and Red Deer, as well as Calgary, Red Deer and Wetaskiwin Police Dog Services. CPS HAWCS also assisted.

“This incident demonstrates how all agencies work together for a common goal,” Insp. Lauren Weare, Airdrie detachment commander, said. “Team work ensured the suspect was safely taken into custody and no one was hurt. Alberta RCMP remains fully committed in building safer communities by working in partnership with our communities and policing partners. Airdrie RCMP works side by side with CPS on multiple investigations and we have a great working relationship.”

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