County Peace Officers were kept busy throughout the summer. Hot weather conditions and wildfires led to increased activity for our County Peace Officers (CPOs) this summer. Some highlights include:
Brazeau County Fires
- In May, CPOs from the County of Wetaskiwin assisted Brazeau County with emergency response to local wildfires. They collaborated with Brazeau County CPOs and Breton RCMP in road closures and evacuation orders at various checkpoints and patrol areas throughout Brazeau County.
Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure Protection
- A CPO stopped a vehicle for inspection on a road with a 50% weight restriction in Division 3. The vehicle was found to be overloaded by 18,000 kg and the driver was charged.
- In Division 4, a CPO observed a commercial vehicle on a restricted road and found it to be overloaded by 20,000 kg. The road was also damaged, and charges were filed.
- Near Alder Flats, a CPO stopped a commercial vehicle carrying an overweight track hoe. Upon further investigation, the driver, who initially provided a false name, was found to be driving with a suspended license. The truck was seized, and fines exceeding $10,000 were issued.
- In Division 2, a CPO observed a commercial vehicle carrying an excavator on a 50% weight-restricted road. The vehicle weighed twice the posted limit and was carrying an extra 20 tons.
- At Mulhurst Bay, CPOs observed a commercial vehicle violating a 50% weight restriction and found it to be 20,000 kg overweight. Charges were filed.
- Near Winfield, a CPO observed a commercial vehicle laboring up a hill. It was stopped for visible safety violations and found to be overloaded by 7,100 kg on its trailer axles. The truck was also misusing farm plates and both the driver and the trucking company were charged.
Speeding
- In Division 4, a CPO observed a vehicle traveling at 127 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. The vehicle sped up to 198 km/h in a residential area before the CPO terminated the chase.
- Near Winfield on HWY 20, a CPO clocked a vehicle at 158 km/h. The driver showed signs of intoxication, failed a roadside screening, and was charged for both the speed and intoxication.
- On Hwy 22 in Division 7, a CPO recorded a small sedan speeding over 160 km/h. The driver was also found in possession of cannabis and was educated on Alberta's cannabis laws.
- In Division 2, a CPO stopped a vehicle traveling at 149 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. The driver displayed signs of impairment and was subsequently charged.
- In Division 5, a vehicle attempted to evade a CPO but was eventually stopped. The driver was found to be operating without insurance or registration, and multiple charges were laid.
Odds and Ends
- In Division 2, a CPO stopped a motorhome for a Traffic Safety Act violation. The vehicle lacked proper insurance, and the driver was issued a court date.
- In Division 5, a CPO stopped a vehicle displaying an unauthorized license plate. The driver was uninsured, unregistered, and suspended, leading to multiple charges.
- A CPO and an RCMP member set up a checkpoint in Division 2 during the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose and detected four impaired drivers out of fewer than 15 vehicles checked.
Public Relations
- In June, Peace Officers attended the "Kids Can Catch" event at Mound Red Park in Division 5.
- In July, they were present at the Buck Lake Stampede to ensure public safety.
- On Canada Day, CPOs participated in the City of Wetaskiwin's parade, alongside other first responders such as the RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, and EMS.
