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The Taber Police Service says it apprehended a man following an alleged unsafe driving incident. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Taber man charged with dangerous driving & body armour

Jul 31, 2025 | 9:00 AM

The Taber Police Service (TPS) says it has arrested a man after an alleged unsafe incident.

At approximately 11:45 a.m. on Friday, July 25, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a man with outstanding warrants on 64 Avenue.

Police claim that the man fled at an “extremely high rate of speed” and into the opposite lane of travel.

TPS says the vehicle turned northbound onto Highway #36 North, and reportedly almost caused a collision. Due to public safety concerns, officers did not pursue the man.

A police officer in an unmarked vehicle reported seeing the vehicle on 80 Avenue, and when it pulled into a farmer’s field, another traffic stop was conducted. The man was taken into custody without incident.

“A search of the vehicle revealed a ballistic helmet and body armour for which the driver did not have a license,” says TPS.

Byron Robert Whalen, 42, of Taber, is charged with one count each of flight from a police officer and dangerous driving, as well as two counts of possessing armour without a permit.

Whalen was released from custody with conditions following a bail hearing. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 5, 2025.