On Aug. 20, 2025, investigators from the Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) & Ponoka General Investigation Section (GIS) were searching for a wanted priority offender.

Ponoka GIS learnt that the subject was hiding at a property in Wetaskiwin County. Wetaskiwin CRU members established surveillance on the property and observed a suspected stolen truck leaving. While conducting surveillance, the truck deliberately rammed a police vehicle in an attempt to disable it. 

RCMP Police Dog Services attempted to stop the truck but it fled at a high rate of speed. The truck was disabled using a tire deflation device in Leduc County near Warburg, Alta. Unfortunately, the subject managed to steal a Honda dirt bike from a rural property and continued fleeing for a short distance.

With the assistance of EPS AIR 1, EPS TRAP, RCMP Emergency Response Team, Leduc RCMP Stryke Team, Wetaskiwin GIS, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Community Response Team & RTOC, Bryan Moffit was taken into custody.

The truck was examined by the RCMP Auto Theft Unit and confirmed to be stolen out of Red Deer, Alta.As a result of this investigation, Bryan Moffitt (28), has been charged with;

-Assault With Weapon;Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;

-Possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal $5000;

-Fraudulent concealment;

-Alter/Destroy/Remove a Vehicle Identification Number;

-Dangerous operation of motor vehicle;Breaking and entering with intent;Theft of motorcycle;

-Flight From Peace Officer.

Moffitt was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody for future court dates at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.

The following day, Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit members executed a search warrant at the property where the stolen truck initially left. Investigators seized a rifle, homemade shotgun, fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, a rifle, two stolen Husqvarna lawnmowers, and a partial stolen VIN plate. 

As a result of this investigation, Patrick McAuley (42), has been charged with;

-Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl;

-Possession of a controlled substance – Meth. ;

-Possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal $5000 (x2);

-Weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization (x2);

-Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose (x2);

-Possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized;

-Breach of recognizance.

McAuley was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with his initial court date set for Aug. 26, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin. 

“These arrests highlight the effective partnership between the RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service," said A/Sgt John Learn of the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit. Thanks to the quick response of EPS Air 1 and the combined efforts of all the RCMP units involved, this incident was brought to a safe conclusion.”