On Nov. 9, 2025, at approximately 3:30 pm, Elk Point RCMP officers at an unrelated traffic stop when they were flagged down by a victim who had escaped from a stolen vehicle. The victim approached police advising she was assaulted, threatened and taken in the reportedly stolen vehicle. It was believed the driver of the stolen vehicle also had a Canada wide warrant for arrest.

Thanks to assistance from Alberta RCMP Real Time Operations Center (RTOC), multiple support units were called in and were instrumental in the successful resolution of this incident. RTOC is based out of Alberta RCMP headquarters in Edmonton and is comprised of a team who can oversee and manage high risk incidents, such as this, as they unfold. Their involvement in these types of incidents not only increase the chances of catching a fleeing suspect but increases public and police safety. Alberta RCMP’s RTOC is truly an invaluable resource. 

Assistance was provided by RCMP officers from various RCMP detachments, including Elk Point, St. Paul, Bonnyville, Kitscoty, Lloydminster and Vermilion. As well, Alberta RCMP RTOC engaged Alberta Sheriff’s, Fish and Wildlife, Ford and On-Star.

The stolen vehicle was located by Fish and Wildlife and a take down device was successfully deployed by St. Paul RCMP officers. The stolen vehicle was located in the County of St. Paul. RCMP officers quickly observed a neighbouring residence near the vehicle was broken into and another vehicle was stolen by the suspect. Additional RCMP members were able to visually observe this vehicle as it fled from the residence. On-Star assisted with placing an ignition lock on the vehicle and it slowly came to a stop. The suspect was a prolific offender and was arrested without incident by police and without a vehicle pursuit. 

Marina Dawn Smith (36), of no fixed address, has been arrested on her Canada wide warrant and is also charged with the following 17 additional offences in relation to this incident:

• Robbery;

• Forcible confinement;

• Flight from peace officer;

• Break and enter;

• Theft over $5000 (x2);

• Operate while prohibited;

• Possession ammunition while prohibited (x3);

• Operate a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public;

• Operate an uninsured vehicle on the highway (x2);

• Assaultl

• Utter threats;

• Theft under $5000;

• Mischief under $5000;

• Utter threats;

• Theft under $5000; and

• Mischief under $5000.

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Smith was remanded into custody and will be brought to Alberta Court of Justice in St. Paul on Nov. 27, 2025.

St. Paul RCMP Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant John Pike states, “Incidents like this can increase the risk of the public in our communities. In this instance, Alberta RCMP officers from neighbouring detachments and our partner agencies in Alberta worked as a team until the suspect, who is a prolific offender, was safely apprehended. This incident demonstrates how all agencies work together for a common goal. Alberta RCMP remains fully committed in building safer communities by working in partnership with our policing partners and various communities we serve.”

The stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to the registered owners. The victim is safe and RCMP victim services unit is engaged.