An off-duty RCMP officer from Calgary was driving on Highway 573 East of Drumheller around 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 30 when he witnessed a man in a gas plant compressor site who appeared to be stealing copper wire.
Drumheller RCMP officers were notified and responded but the suspect fled in a white Nissan pickup truck before they could arrive.
Through collaboration with the off-duty officer, officers intercepted and stopped the suspect vehicle. Officers located large amounts of copper wire, contraband cigarettes, drug paraphernalia, apparent cocaine, bear spray, fireworks, and more in the vehicle. Officers further confirmed that a break and enter did occur at the compressor site.
Bryan Burrill, 37, of Carbon, Alta., was arrested and charged with break and enter, mischief to property, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a weapon or ammunition while prohibited, possession of cocaine, possession of contraband cigarettes, and driving without insurance.
Burrill was brought before a Justice of the Peace for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and released. He is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Jan. 26.
“The company that owns the compressor site no doubt sustained significant damages and losses as a result of this crime,” said Detachment Commander, S/Sgt. Robert Harms. “The keen eye and involvement of the off duty RCMP Sergeant played a key role in not only identifying that a break and enter was in progress but also in the apprehension of the suspect.”
If you have any information regarding criminal activity, call 911, or contact your local Police Service.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
