INSIDE SCOOP

JANUARY 26th – FEBRUARY 1ST, 2025

On January 26th, police received a request to complete a wellbeing check on a subject residing in Viking. The complainant advised she has a relative that lives in Viking that she has not been able to get a hold of. Members were able to locate the subject and advised him to contact the complainant. 

Later that morning, police received a request from Alberta Justice to serve a subpoena on a witness involved in an Edmonton Police Service file. The subject was located and the subpoena was served.

Also this day, police learned a male from Wainwright failed to attend Vegreville Provincial Court as required. A warrant for the arrest of Kenneth Schram has been issued for an additional charge for Section 5(4) of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act – Fail to Attend Court. 

In the early morning of January 27th, police responded to an alarm at an oil site. Members attended and cleared the site. No evidence to indicate there was a break and enter or damage to the property.

Later that morning, police received a complaint of trespassing. When police arrived, they spoke with the complainant who stated there were footprints in his yard and wants them to stop. Police did not locate any damage to the property or evidence of a break and enter. A referral to the Regional Police and Crisis Team was completed, to follow up with the complainant and check on his mental health.

That afternoon, police received a 911 call. It was determined that the call was from a child and there was no emergency.

On January 28th, police responded a report of vehicle that was abandoned northeast of Holden. Police located the vehicle and completed checks on the vehicle VIN as there was no licence plate attached. It was determined the vehicle was stolen from Edmonton on December 16th, 2025. The vehicle was towed and a forensic check for fingerprints was conducted with negative results. The registered owner was notified and advised the vehicle is releasable.

That afternoon, police received a request to provide assistance obtaining vaccination records for an animal. The complainant advised he received a bite from a dog, and the doctor required the dog’s vaccination records for further assessment. The subject was refusing to provide them. Members spoke with another family member who stated they would provide the records to the doctor.

On January 29th, police were made aware of a subject that had failed to attend the Viking RCMP Detachment for fingerprinting regarding charges previously laid. A warrant for the arrest of Stephanie Lambert has been issued. Upon arrest, she will be facing an additional charge for failing to attend for fingerprints.

In the early morning hours of January 30th, police assisted a motorist whose vehicle hit the ditch on Highway 14. The subject was provided a courtesy ride to his residence. During this time, a call for a wellbeing check on the vehicle driver was received. The caller was advised the driver was fine and being transported to his residence.

On January 31st, police received a complaint of harassment. The complainant advised that her ex-boyfriend is continually calling her at work. The subject of complaint was spoken to, and he advised that the complainant is continually calling him. Police advised both subjects to discontinue contacting one another or criminal code charges would be pursued.

On February 1st, police responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 36. The complainant advised a semi trucks load appeared to be insecure. The complainant advised the straps were loose and the load was not secure on the trailer. Members made a patrol and were unable to locate the truck. The Vegreville RCMP were notified of the complaint.

INSIDE SCOOP 

JANUARY 19^TH – 25^{TH 2026}

On January 19^th, police received a report of fraudulent activity involving a debit card. The complainant advised her debit card had been compromised and several purchases had been made by someone in Las Vegas. Her bank had already cancelled the card and advised she would be reimbursed. Police have no evidence to further an investigation at this time.

Also this day, police learned a male from Viking failed to attend Vegreville Provincial Court as required. A warrant for arrest was issued for Ronald STEWART and an additional charge for Sec.145(3) CC – Fail to Attend Court has been laid. 

On January 20^th, police received a complaint of 2 counterfeit $100 bills that had passed through a local bank. The bills were seized and police are continuing to follow up on this matter.

That afternoon, police were advised of a minor 2 vehicle collision in Viking. Police are following up with the involved drivers to complete the collision report as required.

That evening, police received a complaint of cruelty to animals at a property in the Bruce area. The complainant alleged that several dogs and cats were being mistreated and she was concerned for their wellbeing. Police contacted the SPCA and advised them of the complaint. Police attended the property along with an officer from the SPCA and inspected the animals. No concerns were noted and the animals appeared to be in good condition.

That night, police received a couple of calls from motorists who had hit the ditch or were stuck due to the extreme weather conditions that occurred. No injuries were incurred and police ensured the vehicles were removed and not creating any further traffic hazards.

On January 22^nd, police received a complaint of a possible impaired driver on Highway 14. The complainant advised the vehicle in question had almost caused several collisions and had now pulled into a parking lot in Viking. Police attended and located the vehicle. The driver was spoken to and advised he was tired and had pulled into the parking lot to sleep. Police obtained a breath sample on a roadside screening device resulting in a reading of zero. The driver was given a warning and the complainant was updated.

That afternoon, police received a report of an incident of road rage that had occurred near Mannville. Police obtained the information from the complainant and forwarded it to Vermilion RCMP as the event occurred in their jurisdiction.

On January 23^rd, police received a report of a lost license plate in Viking. The information was obtained and entered into the Canadian Police Information Centre system.

On January 25^th, police received a complaint of threats to property being uttered. The complainant advised she had received a phone call from a person in the community who threatened to damage her home. Police are following up on this matter.

That afternoon, police received a request for assistance at a local health facility. The complainant advised a male was being verbally aggressive and had brought a dog off leash into the building. Police attended and spoke with the person in question. He was asked to leave the premises and agreed to do so. Police stayed on scene until the male departed.

WORD ON THE STREET

JANUARY 5^TH – 11^{TH 2026}

On January 5^th, police received a complaint of suspicious activity that had occurred a few days prior. The complainant advised someone had left an open bag of cat food near her fence and she was concerned it might contain something toxic that would harm her dog if ingested. Police are following up on this matter.

That afternoon, police were dispatched to a vehicle fire at a property in the Bruce area. When police arrived at the location, the fire department was already on scene and working to extinguish the fire. Police spoke with the owner of the vehicle, who was unsure what caused the fire, but it is deemed non-suspicious in nature.

During the early morning hours on January 6^th, police received a call from a male who had slid into the ditch while driving on Highway 14. The vehicle was now stuck, and the caller was concerned about the vehicle eventually shutting off and him being stranded in the inclement weather. The caller was able to arrange for his vehicle to be pulled out of the ditch and police were not required to attend.

On January 9^th, police responded to a call from a possible suicidal person. Police attended the location provided and spoke with the caller who voluntarily agreed to go with EMS to a hospital for assessment. EMS attended and transported the person to the Tofield Health Centre.

That night, police received a complaint of a counterfeit $100 bill being passed at a business in Viking. Police attended the business and seized the bill. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

During the evening of January 10^th, police were on patrol when they noticed a suspicious vehicle traveling down back alleys in Viking. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled the area. Police did not initiate a pursuit due to a risk to public safety. It was determined that the vehicle in question had been reported stolen in Vermilion earlier that day. 

 During this time period, police also issued several violation tickets and warnings for various traffic infractions.

INSIDE SCOOP

JANUARY 12th – 18th, 2026

On January 13th, police received a request to check on the wellbeing of a resident in Viking as she had concerns for him, he had not been seen around for some time. Police located the subject and spoke with him, no concerns for his wellbeing. The complainant was updated.

That same morning, police received a complaint of mischief. The complainant advised that an advertisement board in Viking has had graffiti written on it. The board has been cleaned up; police are following up on this matter.

That afternoon, police were made aware of a vehicle in the ditch east of Viking on highway 619. Police determined the vehicle was rented from Enterprise by a subject who resides in Wainwright. Police have contacted the driver and are awaiting a collision statement from him.

On January 14th, police responded to a motor vehicle collision east of Viking on Highway 14. The complainant advised her daughter was driving the vehicle and struck black ice causing the vehicle to lose control and strike a guard rail. There were no injuries, a collision report was completed and a file number provided to the driver.

That afternoon, police were made aware of a subject that had failed to attend the Viking RCMP Detachment for fingerprinting regarding charges previously laid. A warrant for the arrest of Riley Kuta has been issued. Upon arrest, he will be facing an additional charge for failing to attend for fingerprints.

That afternoon, police received a complaint regarding a social media account. The complainant advised a subject she has previously had court orders against is trying to add her on social media. This matter is still under investigation.

On January 15th, police received a complaint of a break and enter. The complainant advised his hunting cabin had been broken into and appliances were stolen. When police arrived, it was noted the door had been pried open to the property. The surveillance power was cut, limiting any further investigation to be conducted.

That afternoon, a complaint of harassment was received. The complainant advised that he has been posting advertisements on a local advertisement board, and recently there is graffiti written on the board over his advertisements. The investigation into this complaint is continuing.

On January 16th, police received a complaint of a theft from a local gas station. The complainant advised a vehicle attended the location and cut a hose connected to the diesel pump. The subjects are then noted to leave the area. Police are continuing to investigate this theft.

That same morning, police received a complaint of a counterfeit $100 bill being passed at a business in Viking. Police attended the business and seized the bill. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

That afternoon, police responded to a motor vehicle collision in Viking. When police arrived, they learned that a vehicle travelling southbound stopped at an intersection. The vehicle proceeded to attempt to turn east. While executing the turn a vehicle travelling westbound struck the vehicle in the intersection. A warning was issued to a youth for failing to proceed safely after stopping at an intersection.

That same afternoon, police received a complaint of property that was left at a business in Viking. Members retrieved the property and the owner was identified. The property has been returned.

That evening, police received a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 36. Members were able to locate the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver provided breath samples on the Approved Screening Device (ASD), registering a “Pass.” The drive admitted to being fatigued after playing hockey that day. The driver was issued a warning for driving while fatigued and advised to stop and rest or his driver’s licence could be suspended and his vehicle towed.

In the early morning hours of January 18th, police responded to a complaint of possible intruders in a residence. When members arrived, an occupant advised them that her son was in the basement walking around and talking, acting very paranoid. Members entered the basement and determined there was on one else in the residence. Members completed a referral to have the subject’s mental health assessed.

That afternoon, police responded to a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 14. Members located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver provided all his documents and police explained the reason for the stop, he then stated that he just completed a 12-hour shift and was tired. The driver was given a warning and advised to stop if he was tired.

INSIDE SCOOP

DECEMBER 15th – JANUARY 4th 2026

On December 15th, police received an animal complaint. The complainant advised he is concerned for his neighbor’s dogs, he has not seen anyone around and was not sure if they are being cared for. Members located the owner, and the dogs are being fed and taken care of. 

That evening, police received a request to conduct a wellbeing check on a subject that resides in Viking. Members were able to locate the subject at a friend’s residence; police had no concerns for their wellbeing. The complainant was updated.

On December 17th, police responded to a motor vehicle in the ditch. The complainant advised the vehicle was in the ditch and the driver appeared to be impaired. Members located the vehicle in the ditch Northeast of Viking. The driver was found to be unconscious; EMS was requested to attend the scene. A search of the vehicle was conducted by police a 60 oz bottle of vodkawas located, police accompanied EMS to the hospital with the subject where hospital staff collected samples of his blood. Police obtained a warrant to seize the blood in order to have an analysis completed. This matter is still under investigation and charges are pending against the driver.

On December 19th, police received a request for assistance from a male who was recently released from Edmonton Remand Centre. The male had obtained a taxi ride to Viking and was requesting members assist him with completing his trip to Provost. Members were unable to assist the male and he was advised to take the taxi back to Edmonton and make different arrangements from there.

That same morning, police responded to a vehicle that was stuck in the ditch and partially in the lane of traffic. Members attended and assisted with traffic until the tow truck arrived.

On December 20th, police received a report of a motor vehicle collision on Highway 14. The complainant advised that while he was assisting tow a vehicle out of the ditch, he struck a sign. The complainant was able to drive his vehicle and there was minimal damage to the sign, a collision report was completed.

On December 21st, during the early morning hours, members were conducting crime prevention patrols. Several vehicles were noted to be running at a local bar, with subjects exiting and entering the building. During this time, the members received a 911 call of a suspicious subject at a rural location. The complainant stated he yelled at the subject and the subject left in a vehicle. When police called the complainant back it was determined that the number provided was not a local number, the area code provided belonged to Washington State. Further investigation found the caller was actually from Viking, members immediately returned to the location of the bar and noted that vehicles had departed. Police are continuing this investigation to determine the caller of the 911 request. The caller could be facing Charges of Public Mischief and Misuse of 911 under the 911 act.

That afternoon, police received a complaint of trespassing. The complainant advised of a subject that had attended their business and is currently on court conditions to not be on the premises. Police spoke with the owner of the business who advised the subject did not enter the business he was outside when he spoke with the complainant. Further investigation will be conducted to determine what the conditions are and if charges will be laid.

That evening, police responded to an assault in progress. The complainant advised she picked up a male friend in Saskatoon and has been trying to get home to Edmonton. During the trip,the male had been drinking and assaulting the complainant. With the assistance of the Tofield RCMP the vehicle was located on Highway 14 near Holden. The male was taken into custody without incident. The female complainant advised for two days they have been travelling from Saskatoon. During this time, the male had consumed alcohol and became violent. He struck the female several times while she was driving, including chokingand striking her with a tool. 35-year-old Stephen Robichaud has been charged with forcible confinement, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, and assault. He has been remanded into custody and will be appearing before a Justice in a Judicial Interim hearing.

That same evening, police received a call regarding a minor diesel spill. The complainant advised he was fuelling his vehicle and he overfilled his tank causing a minor diesel spill. Members attended the location and located a spill kit on site and used the kit on the diesel. Alberta environment was notified by the complainant. 

On December 22nd, police received a complaint of theft. Members attended a local health care facility and spoke with the complainant who advised that the facility is refusing to pay her for work she completed. Members spoke with the supervisor at the facility who advised the subject was hired by a third-partycompany and the payment would be issued from them directly. Members were also advised that the subject had incorrectly entered some of her personal information which is causing the delay in the payment. Police explained this to the subject who continued to argue with police. The subject was advised to leave the premises or be charged with trespassing; the subject left the area and attended the Viking Detachment where she was met by the member again. It was again explained that this was not a police matter and how to rectify the situation. The subject continued to argue with the member before finally leaving. Members made a patrol back past the facility to ensure the subject did not return. The subject was located back at the facility arguing with the supervisor. She was again warned about trespassing, however refused to leave, members advised that she was going to be arrested. The subject then left the facility and continued to park in the parking lot. When members approached her vehicle, she left and nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was located parked on the 50 Street, members initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle fled from members, a pursuit was not initiated. The subject did leave the area, a charge of Section 166(2)(A) of the Traffic Safety Act, Driver fail to stop for Peace Office, with a fine of $405 has been issued.

On December 24th, police received a complaint of a suspicious vehicle parked just off of Highway 36 north of Viking. The complainant advised the windows to the vehicle were fogged up and it was unknown if anyone was inside. Members located the vehicle and determined no one was in the vehicle. Attempts were made to contact the registered owner but were unsuccessful. Patrols of the area did not locate anyone around.

That afternoon, police responded to a complaint of an unwanted person at a local Hotel. The complainant advised the subject was renting a room at the establishment and was continuing to smoke within the hallway. Members attended and advised the subject he needed to leave due to him refusing to listen to the hotel staff. The subject was relocated to another motel where he could stand outside his door and smoke.

In the early morning hours of December 25th, police received reports of a male attempting to break into residences in Viking. Surveillance was provided to police by one of the victims and members were able to identify the male as police had dealt with him earlier on an unrelated matter. While members were patrolling trying to locate the subject, they were flagged down by one of the complainants who advised members of the location of the subject. The subject was located, arrested and transported to Killam RCMP where he was held for a Judicial Interim Hearing. 37-year-old Adam Cole is facing three charges of Break and Enter. He has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Vegreville Court of Justice later in January.

Also, during this time members assisted the Viking Fire and Rescue with a garage fire in Viking. Members attended and contained the scene; this matter is still under investigation awaiting the Fire Inspectors report.

That evening, police received a complaint of an assault. The complainant advised she was visiting a friend in Viking when they got into an argument and they started fighting. The complainant advised that the subjects had been consuming alcohol throughout the evening. Both parties advised the fight was consensual, they were separated for the night, no charges were laid.

On December 27th, police responded to a complaint of a subject who was committing self harm. When members arrived, the youth was located and spoken to. The youth was offered a ride to the hospital for further assessment. The youth was transported to the hospital and left in the medical staff care.

That afternoon, police responded to a motor vehicle collision south of Viking on Highway 36. The complainant advised he was travelling southbound approaching an intersection and due to the road conditions, he was unable to stop and slid through the intersection and struck an eastbound vehicle that was turning left. Due to the road conditions and weather no charges were laid. The vehicle occupants did not sustain any injuries, both vehicles were towed away from the scene.

On December 28th, police responded to a complaint of dogs on Highway 26. Members located the dogs and were able to determine the owner. The owner was contacted and advised of the complaint, she advised the dogs would be taken into her residence.

On December 29th, police received a complaint of a motor vehicle collision. The complainant advised she was in her yard and due to the snow and ice she slid into a shed. A damage sticker was issued and file number for insurance purposes.

That afternoon, police received a complaint of mischief to a business in Viking. The complainant advised of damage to the siding on the business. There was no surveillance or witnesses it is unknown how the damage occurred. A file number was provided to the complainant for insurance purposes.

Later that afternoon, police responded to a complaint of a suspicious vehicle parked on the road at a rural location east of Holden. The complainant advised there was a vehicle parked on the roadway with no occupants around. While speaking with the complainant the subjects came back to the vehicle and departed the area. The complainant followed the vehicle to a gas station in Holden. The subjects obtained fuel and proceeded to drive westbound out of Holden and the complainant continued to follow the suspect vehicle. Members arrived and conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. The occupants advised they were looking for the transfer station and they were low on fuel,so they stopped to try and locate someone to help them. The subjects did not commit anything criminal and were advised to leave the area. The complainant was spoken to and advised it was unsafe to follow or approach suspicious people. He was also advised that he could be charged under the criminal code for his actions. 

In the early morning hours of December 30th, police received a report of a vehicle in the ditch on a service road in Viking. While police were enroute to the location a female jumped in front of the police vehicle waving her arms. Police stopped and the female requested Police help push her vehicle out of the ditch. The female was identified as being the driver of the vehicle. She was observed to be showing signs of intoxication so was asked to provide breath samples on the Approved Screening Device (ASD) and did so, registering a “Fail.” She was then arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. Police proceeded by way of Provincial Sanctions. This was found to be the second IRS suspension, which resulted in the immediate 90-day suspension of her driver’s license, 36-month ignition interlock program, as well as a $2,400 fine and the seizure of hervehicle for 30 days. While the subject was in the police vehicle,she was found to be wrapping her sweater around her neck in an attempt to hang herself. Members immediately removed the sweater, and the female was transported to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for further mental health assessment.

Later that afternoon, police received a traffic complaint. The complainant advised of a vehicle travelling with an extremely bright light bar on. The complainant stated they had to slow down because it was difficult to see. The suspect vehicle also slowed down and then turned off the light bar. The complainant was unable to provide any further description of the vehicle. Members made patrols and no vehicle was located.

On December 31st, police responded to a complaint of an insecure load. The complainant advised of a truck pulling a trailer with bales on it. The bales were not properly secured and appeared they would fall off. The vehicle was located, and the subject was advised to pull off the roadway and reload his bales and have them secured properly. 

Early that afternoon, police were called to assist EMS with a sudden death in Viking. Police attended and deemed the death non-suspicious in nature.

On January 1st, Police responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 14. When members arrived a semi truck and trailer were found in the ditch. The driver and passenger had been transported by EMS to the hospital for further assessment. Police observed the truck crossed the centre line and entered the ditch causing the truck and trailers to roll resting approximately twenty feet from the railroad tracks. The trailer tanks of crude oil did not spill. The truck and trailer companies arranged for the tow and removal of the oil. This matter is still under investigation.

On January 3rd, police received a complaint of trespassing. The complainant advised a subject is currently staying at an abandoned property. Members attended the property and located a subject; he was advised he could not stay at the abandoned property. The subject advised he would gather his property and make arrangement for a ride to Camrose.

On January 4th, police responded to a complaint of assault. The complainant advised he got into an argument with his partner and she struck him. Members attended and spoke with the complainant who stated his partner struck him in the head while he was gathering his property and attempting to leave. The subject was located and arrested for assault; she was released from police custody with conditions to have no contact with the victim.

During this time period, police also dealt with several motor vehicle collisions involving deer. They also issued violation tickets and warnings for various traffic offences.