Mounties have arrested a man in connection with a series of auto thefts.
Houston resident Riley Lafontaine, 28, was arrested and is facing numerous criminal charges, including but not limited to: theft of motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and flight from police.
On Jan. 2 around 4:15 p.m. a vehicle left idling and unlocked on 9th Street was stolen by a male suspect who fled the area.
Corporal Madonna Saunderson said that the Houston RCMP utilized investigative techniques and determined the suspect and vehicle had crossed over into Alberta.
"On the morning of January 3, 2025 Jasper, Alberta RCMP located the stolen vehicle, which fled from responding officers before becoming inoperable," she stated. "The male driver then fled on foot stealing another vehicle which was immobilized with the use of a tire deflation device."
Lafontaine remains in custody pending a future court date.
Houston Detachment Commander Sgt. Ryan Fillmore is reminding the public to ensure their vehicles are locked and not left idling.
