Central Alberta car dealership facing thousands in damage after break-in
A car dealership in Rocky Mountain House is dealing with tens of thousands of dollars in damage after a thief stole a pick-up truck from inside the building.
Last Tuesday at approximately 1:40 a.m., RCMP received an alarm call from Edward’s Garage Chevrolet dealership, located in Rocky Mountain House. The dealership owner, Brent Kennedy, was at home asleep, but rushed to his business.
“When I went inside, I could see that there’s a pick-up truck that was no longer there, and that the RCMP were doing their investigation,” Kennedy said.
The theft was caught on surveillance video. It shows a Dodge pick-up truck, which was allegedly stolen out of Red Deer, approaching the main doors of the dealership and nudging them open.
“We’ve had previous thefts,” Kennedy said.
“But, I’ve never had a vehicle that was used to break into our building before.”
Once inside, the thief is seen rummaging through the front desk area until he finds keys to a vehicle. The person then proceeds to walk towards the main doors expecting that the keys are to a vehicle that is parked outside. However, the remote keys turn on the lights for a pick-up truck parked inside the building, a new GMC Sierra. He then gets into the truck and drives through the exit doors.
Once outside, video appears to show the man load up gas cans from the previous truck into the new GMC Sierra and drives off.
Rocky Mountain House RCMP later located the stolen GMC Sierra on Highway 11 and attempted to stop the vehicle. However, the driver failed to stop for police. Police then used a tire deflation device in the area of Swanson and disabled the pick-up truck which was empty. The RCMP Police Dog Service and Rocky Mountain House RCMP officers later located and arrested him.
Waylon Daniel Whitford, 27, is facing multiple charges related to the incident:
- Break and enter commit theft
- Theft of motor vehicle
- Possession of stolen property exceeding $5,000
- Mischief over $5,000 (x2)
- Flight from police
- Operate conveyance in a manner dangerous to the public
- Operate a conveyance while prohibited
- Possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public
- Resist arrest
- Fail to comply with conditions of release (x8)
- Break and enter commit theft
- Mischief under $5,000
Police say Whitford was released from police custody, hours before the incident at Edward’s Garage Chevrolet, following a judicial hearing related to another investigation.
“Why was he let out of jail?” asked Kennedy.
“He just turned around and perpetrated another fairly substantial crime.”
Kennedy estimates close to $50,000 in damage.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.