This operation was spearheaded by the Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit (EADRCRU) and Lac La Biche RCMP in efforts to apprehend a wanted male, Derek Gladue (25) of Beaver Lake. On Oct. 18, 2018, RCMP made a request of the public for assistance with tips on the location of Gladue, as he was wanted for several property crime offences in the Lakeland area, a “chop shop” operation in Beaver Lake, and nearly injuring an officer during an attempted arrest.
EADRCRU and Lac La Biche RCMP worked collaboratively to apprehend Gladue with the assistance of RCMP Air Services and Police Dog Services (PDS). Gladue was reportedly spotted in a truck suspected to have been stolen from Athabasca County by EADRCRU and a RCMP helicopter took over observation of the vehicle. Police made attempts to stop the vehicle, but it fled at high speed. A pursuit was not initiated for public safety, but the RCMP’s eye in the sky kept the vehicle in view and coordinated with officers on the ground.
“Assistance from Air Services was integral in this operation”, said Constable Guillaume Wilson (EADRCRU). “This enabled us to mitigate the risk to the public and gave us the best chance of apprehending our subject.”
Spike belt and rammed by police
The stolen vehicle while not being pursued went through Lac La Biche driving dangerously, going through red lights, stop signs, and into oncoming traffic. A spike belt was successfully utilized and the truck became inoperable after a collision with a police vehicle.
The suspected driver and passenger fled from the vehicle. The passenger was quickly apprehended by PDS but the driver continued to flee into the Portage College which was nearby.
Hiding in a classroom ceiling
RCMP members, with assistance of Lac La Biche bylaw and emergency services, contained the college. The suspect was located hiding in the ceiling of a classroom and arrested without incident and no one was injured.
“The public did a fantastic job at remaining calm and assisting us during this ordeal”, says Cst. Wilson. “This incident could have lasted much longer had it not been for the quick response from the staff and students at Portage College, as well as the help from our other emergency service partners.”
Derek Gladue’s arrest warrants from the Lac La Biche and Boyle RCMP includes several charges, including:
- Assault on a police officer with a weapon
- Several counts of possession of property obtained by crime
- Flight from police
- Resisting a peace officer
- Breaking and entering
- Mischief over $5,000
- Possession of break-in instruments
- Failing to attend court
- Alter/destroy/remove a vehicle identification number
- Fraudulent concealment
- Dangerous driving
- Failing to comply with conditions of a recognizance
Following the events from Nov. 22, 2018, Gladue is also facing new charges, including:
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Mischief over $5,000
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Flight from police
- Resisting a peace officer
- Failing to comply with conditions of a recognizance
- Driving while unauthorized
He was remanded into custody following a judicial hearing and will be appearing in Bonnyville Provincial Court on Nov. 27, 2018.
James Lameman (25) of Beaver Lake has also been charged with several offences, including:
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Flight from police
- Failing to comply with conditions
- Resisting a peace officer
He was released with court conditions after a judicial hearing and will be appearing in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on Dec. 3, 2018.
As this matter is now before the courts no further information is available.
