Two people have been charged following a suspicious person complaint that led Barrhead RCMP to pursue a stolen tractor.

At 1:45 p.m. on October 28, Barrhead RCMP responded to a complaint of suspicious persons at a rural property in the Tiger Lily area, northwest of Barrhead.

RCMP said on arrival they learned that a man and woman had arrived at the property driving a stolen vehicle and left on foot after police were called.

A man and woman matching the description of the suspects were seen on Highway 655. Police say both suspects fled the scene, the female was apprehended after a short foot chase.

The male suspect allegedly travelled through the bush and stole a tractor from a farmer’s field. RCMP said he then fled the scene a second time while driving the tractor. Officers said they attempted to set up a road block at which time the suspect used the front end loader to ram and disable a police vehicle.

They said backup from Mayerthorpe and Barrhead were called, and they alerted oncoming motorists of the machinery.

After 45 minutes, the suspect allegedly attempted to avoid another roadblock by driving into the ditch where the tractor got stuck and the man was arrested.

Amber Lorraine Smith,41, of Mayerthorpe has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime
  • Resisting arrest

She has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to make her first appearance on November 1 in Westlock Provincial Court.

Craig Morris Benson,41, of Mayerthorpe has been charged with:

  • Assaulting a Peace Officer
  • Resist arrest
  • Theft over $5000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime
  • Flight from police
  • Mischief
  • Fail to remain at the scene of an accident.

He has also been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear on November 14 in Barrhead Provincial Court.