The Grande Prairie Police Service’s brand-new Community Standards Unit made a significant arrest on March 26th.
According to the GPPS, at around 9:15 a.m., officers on patrol observed a traffic violation involving a taxi in downtown Grande Prairie, before initiating a stop. Officials say the vehicle continued to drive for a “short distance” before stopping.
A male passenger then exited the vehicle before fleeing on foot. Police say the taxi driver insisted the suspect told him to ignore police instructions and had assaulted him in the process.
Following a brief foot pursuit, members of the CSU successfully apprehended the suspect. He was transferred to the RCMP for processing, and upon further investigation, it was revealed the man was wanted on a nationwide warrant for failing to comply with his parole conditions. Officials say further charges are pending.
GPPS Superintendent John Respet says the arrest marks a significant moment for establishing the CSU as a valuable resource for the city’s downtown core.
“Their swift response in this situation highlights the effectiveness of the CSU and underscores the importance of proactively enhancing public safety,” he says.
The Community Standards Unit was launched this March to address social disorder in Grande Prairie, specifically in areas like the downtown core.
