Man fleeing police arrested and charged during targeted downtown enforcement project

A man fleeing police due to his outstanding warrants was arrested and charged as part of the Lethbridge Police Service’s ongoing targeted downtown enforcement project last week.

On August 29, 2024, as part of its fifth targeted downtown operation, police identified a man wanted on outstanding warrants. After running from police twice, the man was eventually apprehended by PSD (Police Service Dog) Robbie. 

Further to the operation, an additional 36 outstanding warrants were executed, 9 new criminal charges laid, 19 people arrested for public drug use and 49 doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine were seized. Police also had the opportunity to engage with citizens - stopping to answer questions, address concerns and simply make people aware of their presence.

The targeted downtown enforcement operation, which involves a team of officers from the Downtown Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit and Community Peace Officers, was initiated this past March and will continue throughout 2024. Businesses and visitors in the downtown area can expect to see a heightened police presence on the days the teams are deployed to actively target high frequency offenders and areas with high volumes of crime. 

Police remind the public to continue reporting all suspicious and criminal activity downtown – or anywhere in the city – by calling 403-328-4444. LPS uses CompStat, a data-driven model where analytics are used to identify high-crime areas, prolific offenders and the most effective deployment of police resources. Knowing what is occurring, where it is happening and how often, helps give police an accurate picture of crime and disorder in the community, and enables more effective deployment of resources and enforcement strategies. 

Some crimes can also be reported online, including theft under $5,000, mischief, theft from vehicles and damage to vehicles. There is also a category for ‘information only’ reports where citizens can report nuisance and non-criminal matters. Visit www.lethbridgepolice.ca and click online reporting.