okotoks.news

Tag: RCMP

  • Okotoks RCMP assist Foothills County stop that led to $6,751 in minimum fines

    That stop put the brakes on more than just speeding.

    A Foothills County traffic stop on Highway 2A earlier this month ended with a vehicle impounded and a driver facing several Traffic Safety Act charges.

    Foothills County Peace Officers said they stopped the vehicle in July after seeing it travelling 107 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.

    With help from Okotoks RCMP, officers determined the vehicle had a fictitious licence plate that had been bought online, a forged insurance card, no valid registration, and a driver who did not have a valid driver’s licence.

    The charges include speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an unregistered vehicle, driving without a valid driver’s licence, displaying unauthorized plates, and producing a false insurance card.

    Foothills County said the offences carry minimum fines totalling $6,751, along with required court appearances and any further penalties ordered by the courts.

    Foothills County Enforcement said it was the seventh time the driver had been stopped while not holding a valid driver’s licence.

  • High River murder case scheduled for Okotoks court appearance

    The case now moves from High River to Okotoks court, where the next steps will be heard.

    A High River man charged with second-degree murder is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on July 31.

    High River RCMP responded at 9:24 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, to a disturbance at a residence on 112 Street E. Officers found 36-year-old Cayla Bleeker of High River suffering from gunshot wounds.

    EMS took Bleeker to High River General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

    RCMP said a male suspect was arrested immediately. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit later took over the investigation.

    Police charged 36-year-old Jarrett Stobbe of High River with second-degree murder. He was remanded into custody after a judicial interim release hearing.

    RCMP said officers had also been called to the same residence earlier that evening, at 5:54 p.m., after the suspect made allegations involving the victim. Police said they investigated and found the allegations were unfounded.

    Alberta RCMP offered condolences to Bleeker’s loved ones.

  • Okotoks RCMP seize vehicle after Tuesday morning impaired driving report

    This Highway 2 stop kept a bad trip from going any farther.

    Okotoks RCMP say a driver was taken off the road Tuesday morning after reports of dangerous driving on Highway 2.

    Police received reports at about 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, that a vehicle was travelling north toward Calgary while speeding and being driven erratically.

    Okotoks RCMP traffic officers, with help from High River RCMP, found and stopped the vehicle on Highway 2 before it reached Calgary.

    During the investigation, officers noted signs of impairment and conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Test. Police said the results led them to believe the driver was impaired by a drug, and the driver was later assessed by a Drug Recognition Expert.

    The driver received an Immediate Roadside Sanction, including a 30-day vehicle seizure, a licence suspension and applicable fines.

    Okotoks RCMP said reports from the public helped officers respond to the incident.

  • Okotoks limits facility access after criminal charges tied to child exploitation investigation

    That is the local angle, with no need to headline in circles.

    The Town of Okotoks says it has issued a trespass notice barring access to Town facilities following recent criminal charges connected to an Okotoks RCMP investigation into possession of child sexual exploitation materials.

    The Town said the matter is now before the courts, and decisions about release conditions and court proceedings are handled through the judicial system. Public safety responsibilities remain with law enforcement.

    Municipal officials said they are working with Okotoks RCMP to stay informed and share verified information with residents as it becomes available. The Town also said it is seeking clarity about community concerns over the coming 63 days.

    Residents are being asked to avoid speculation, remain respectful, and not take action themselves. Anyone with information or safety concerns can contact Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-6400.

    <PUN: The Town is keeping this response within its jurisdictional bounds.

  • Okotoks RCMP urge lawful response after accused man released on conditions

    In a case this serious, staying within the lines matters.

    Okotoks RCMP say they are addressing public concern after Corey Airhart, a local man charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material, was released from custody by the courts following a judicial interim release hearing.

    Police said Airhart’s release includes court-ordered conditions intended to protect community safety.

    Those conditions include:

    • He must stay at least 50 metres away from public swimming areas, schools and school yards, daycares, playgrounds, youth shelters, public libraries, and any place where children under 16 may be present.
    • He must not communicate directly with anyone under 16.
    • He must not possess devices with internet access or cameras.

    RCMP said they understand residents may have strong concerns about the case, but police have received reports of threats and comments suggesting some people may try to act outside the law.

    Police said threats, harassment, intimidation, or vigilante actions are illegal and will be investigated. Residents are being asked to raise concerns through lawful and respectful means.

    Okotoks RCMP said they will continue to monitor the situation.

  • Okotoks-area representatives comment after child exploitation charge

    For Okotoks residents looking for answers, this case has put bail reform back on the docket.

    Local elected officials have issued statements after an Okotoks man was charged in a child exploitation investigation.

    Corey Airhart was charged on May 26 with possession of child pornography and accessing child pornography. After his arrest, he was held for a judicial interim release hearing and was later released from custody by the court.

    The arrest and release became public on June 3. Statements from the Town of Okotoks, Okotoks RCMP, Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson and Foothills MP John Barlow followed on June 4.

    Sigurdson said he has heard concerns from residents about safety and security, particularly in a smaller community. He encouraged residents with questions to contact his office.

    Sigurdson said he would not comment on the specific case while it is before the courts, but said he supports broader changes to the justice system and stronger bail measures. He noted that bail legislation is under federal jurisdiction and said he wants residents’ concerns in Highwood reflected in federal law.

    Barlow said he and his office were disturbed by the allegations. He said people charged and convicted of such offences should be held accountable under the law.

    Barlow criticized federal justice legislation, including Bills C-5 and C-75, saying he believes they weakened bail and sentencing rules. He also pointed to a Conservative proposal called the “Jail Not Bail” act, which he said would have made public safety the main consideration in bail decisions and required violent offenders to show why they should be released.

    Barlow also referenced Bill C-291, a Conservative bill dealing with child sexual abuse and exploitation material that passed in 2024. He encouraged residents with questions or concerns to contact his office.