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The Taber Police Service has charged a man following a reported incident on July 25, 2023. (File photo: LNN)

Taber Police charge man in connection with stolen vehicle

Jul 31, 2023 | 2:47 PM

TABER, AB – The Taber Police Service has charged a man following an attempted traffic stop.

Police said that on July 25, 2023, at around 8:20 a.m., officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a pickup truck that had been reported stolen from Coaldale. Officials note the vehicle failed to stop and allegedly started to drive recklessly into the town’s downtown area.

Police said officers did not initiate a pursuit “for public safety reasons”.

Less than two hours, the Taber/Vauxhall RCMP received a complaint of the same pickup reportedly driving erratically southwest of Taber near the Oaklane Colony. Police said they tried to stop the vehicle, but the truck reportedly drive into a field. A pursuit was not initiated.

A short while later, the truck was found on a gravel road with severe mechanical issues, according to police. With the help of the Coaldale RCMP Police Service Dog, a suspect was arrested.

Mitchell Kyle Badke, 32, of no fixed address, is charged with:

  • Flight from police
  • Resist arrest
  • Mischief over $5,000
  • Possess stolen property over $5,000
  • Possess stolen property under $5,000
  • Possess weapon dangerous to the public
  • Possess weapon while prohibited
  • Fail to comply with a release order

Police added that for the alleged incident in Taber, Badke is charged with:

  • Flight from police
  • Dangerous driving
  • Possess stolen property
  • Fail to comply with a release order

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Badke was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge court on August 4, 2023.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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