Police charge male with driving, weapons offences following high-risk incidents

Lethbridge Police have charged a 28-year-old male after he fled from officers in a vehicle and later barricaded himself inside a westside home.

On September 13, just before 11 a.m., police observed a male – wanted on outstanding warrants and known to have a Canada-wide driving prohibition – operating a vehicle. The vehicle travelled to a parking lot in the 1500 block of 23 Avenue North and the male driver exited and began loading items from one of the residential units. Police attempted to pin the vehicle to prevent it from leaving, but the driver was able to reverse and forcefully accelerate, subsequently freeing the vehicle and fleeing from police. The male fled the area at a high rate of speed, driving across a green strip and sidewalk, and passing and cutting off other motorists. Due to the risk to public safety, police did not pursue the vehicle. 

Later in the day, just after 4 p.m., the male was located by police at a residence along the 100 block of Cowichan Court West. The male, who was reported to be armed with a firearm, barricaded himself inside the home, and refused to exit. Members of the Critical Incident Team, including Tactical Team members and negotiators, were deployed. After multiple hours of unsuccessful negotiation with the male, a warrant to enter the home was granted. Members of the Tactical Team made entry to the home just before 10 p.m. and the male was taken into custody without incident. A search of the home incidental to the arrest, resulted in police seizing a firearm that had been dismantled and the pieces hidden throughout the residence.  

Dylan Ivan Sokol, 28, of Coaldale, is charged with:

• Five counts of possession of a firearm while prohibited
• Two counts of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon (vehicle)
• Two counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle
• Two counts of flight from police
• Two counts of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited
• Three counts of resisting arrest

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Sokol was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear in court September 17.