Traffic stop yields criminal charges

An attempt by a motorist to elude West Division Patrol officers Tuesday led to the identification of a man with 63 outstanding warrants.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 just after 10:30 a.m., a West Division officer observed a Chrysler 300 vehicle displaying an incorrect Alberta licence plate. After officers conducted a traffic stop, the driver provided his name, but claimed he did not have his licence or any other form of identification on him. After providing two false names throughout the traffic stop, police were able to positively identify the driver.

Marcus Hatcher, 26, was arrested for 63 outstanding warrants and is now facing 12 new identity theft-related criminal charges.

Follow up investigations conducted on Wednesday revealed that the Chrysler 300 was allegedly purchased through a car dealership under an assumed identity. Police have now linked other recovered stolen items to a series of thefts from vehicles.

“This reiterates the importance of safeguarding personal identification at all times. Once your personal identification is compromised, it may take years to get your life back,” said Const. Garth Smith of West Division.

“As we see in this instance, traffic stops continue to serve as an effective way to make an impact on crime,” added Const. Garth Smith. “Identifying people with outstanding warrants and recovering stolen property highlight just two of the many positive outcomes that stem from our interactions with motorists.”

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/28PIKt6