A 62-year-old Bonnyville man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a trackhoe and using it to damage RCMP property on May 3.

RCMP say a man drove a stolen trackhoe into the Bonnyville detachment parking lot around 6:55 p.m. after taking it from a local business. Police allege the suspect drove through a fence during the theft, causing significant damage. On his way to the detachment, the suspect reportedly picked up several large boulders and dumped them in front of the prisoner bay — an apparent attempt to hinder officers from

responding to calls.

The suspect then drove the trackhoe into five unoccupied police vehicles, rendering them inoperable, before fleeing the scene on foot. RCMP say no officers were injured

With assistance from the Real Time Operations Centre (RTOC) in Edmonton, as well as the St. Paul Police Dog Services, Cold Lake drone unit, and officers from the Eastern Alberta District and Elk Point detachment, police established containment and began a search.

The suspect was located a short time later by Police Dog Services northwest of the detachment. He resisted arrest and was bitten by the police dog before being taken into custody and treated for minor injuries at hospital.

David Merko, 62, of Bonnyville has been charged with 13 offences under the Criminal Code, including dangerous driving, break and enter, theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property

over $5,000, two counts of resisting a peace officer, and uttering threats possession of stolen property over $5,000, six counts of mischief over $5,000, two counts of resisting a peace officer, and uttering threats.

Merko was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville on May 6.

Parke also expressed concern about negative social media commentary following the incident, including posts that condoned violence against police.

RCMP say violence against officers is on the rise in Alberta. In 2023, 70 Alberta officers were injured in use-of-force incidents, with an average of 2.3 violent encounters occurring daily.