A Coaldale man has been charged in connection to a high-risk incident in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Man charged in ‘high-risk incidents’ in Lethbridge

Sep 16, 2024 | 2:57 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has laid more than one dozen charges following a series of alleged incidents.

Just before 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024, police say a man who had outstanding warrants and a Canada-wide driving prohibition was seen driving a vehicle.

LPS says the vehicle went into a parking lot on the 1500 block of 23 Ave North. The driver reportedly began to load items into a home.

Despite an attempt by the officers to prevent the vehicle from leaving, the driver was allegedly able to escape. The man reportedly drive away at a high speed and across a green strip and sidewalk, passing and cutting off other motorists.

“Due to the risk to public safety, police did not pursue the vehicle,” reads a media release from LPS.

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Just after 4:00 a.m., the man was found at a home on the 100 block of Cowichan Court West.

According to LPS, the man barricaded himself in the house with a firearm and refused to leave. Members of the Critical Incident Team, including Tactical Team members and negotiators were deployed.

After several hours of negotiations, police obtained a warrant to enter the home and got inside just before 10:00 p.m.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Upon searching the home, LPS says a firearm that had been dismantled and scattered throughout the house was confiscated.

Dylan Ivan Sokol, 28, of Coaldale, is charged with five counts of possession of a firearm while prohibited, two counts of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon (vehicle), two counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle, two counts of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, and three counts of resisting arrest.

Following a bail hearing, Sokol was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 17, 2024.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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