File photo of an RCMP sign. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

RCMP charge two people following Ranchland area break and enter, still seeking second suspect

May 20, 2022 | 8:54 AM

M.D. OF RANCHLAND, AB – Two people have been charged following reports of a break and enter in Southern Alberta.

At 4:10 a.m. on May 18, 2022, the RCMP received reports of a break and enter in progress at a large compressor station, located near the junction of Highway 22 and Highway 520 in the M.D. of Ranchland. RCMP members from Nanton and Claresholm responded and found two suspects fleeing on foot into nearby wooded areas.

The RCMP Police Dog Services aided in located the two suspects. The RCMP says that within minutes, one suspect surrendered himself to police and was arrested without incident. The second suspect was not located, despite an exhaustive search of the rural area.

The RCMP says the investigation found that the suspects had cut and removed significant amounts of copper wire from the site, stole various items and equipment, all of which were loaded into a nearby suspect vehicle.

40-year-old Shane Lewis of Nanton has been charged with the following:

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• Mischief over $5000 contrary to Section 430(3) of the Criminal Code.
• Break and Enter and Commit Theft contrary to Section 348(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
• Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 contrary to Section 355(a) of the Criminal Code.
• Possession of Stolen Property under $5000 contrary to Section 355(b) of the Criminal Code.

Lewis was released on a $2,000 promise to pay release order with conditions and is scheduled to be in Fort Macleod Provincial Court on June 8, 2022.

The RCMP says that further investigating identified the second and outstanding suspect as 28-year-old Dallan Moser, also of Nanton. Warrants have been issued for Moser’s arrested with charges of:

• Mischief over $5000 contrary to Section 430(3) of the Criminal Code.
• Break and Enter and Commit Theft contrary to Section 348(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
• Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 contrary to Section 355(a) of the Criminal Code.
• Possession of Stolen Property under $5000 contrary to Section 355(b) of the Criminal Code.

Sergeant Robert Harms of the Claresholm RCMP said, “anti-theft precautions, such as on site surveillance cameras and close monitoring of the site by staff, were key to the apprehension of 1 suspect, the identification of another, and the quick recovery of all stolen property.”

The RCMP continues to investigate the matter, including indications that a passing motorists may have picked up Moser from near the location and provided transport out of the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nanton RCMP at 403-646-5722 or the Claresholm RCMP at 403-625-4445. Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.