While Foothills residents enjoyed festivities on Canada Day, area Mounties spent their day chasing an alleged thief on a drug-fueled crime spree.

RCMP say it started around 10 a.m., on July 1, with complaints flowing in from the Priddis, Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows areas regarding stolen vehicles and property.

One vehicle owner interrupted the alleged thief, and was assaulted with bear spray.

Officers caught up with the suspect at around 1:30 p.m. at a gas station in Bragg Creek.

25 year old Thomas Hildebrand, of no fixed address, was arrested without incident and is facing charges of robbery, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, theft of a motor vehicle, theft over $5000 and mischief.

RCMP say all vehciles and property stolen have been recovered, and the suspect has been released from custody to appear in Cochrane Provincial Court on Tuesday, July 24.

Anyone with information on this string of crimes is asked to contact Cochrane RCMP or Crimestoppers, and RCMP remind residents to continue reporting any suspicious activity.

 

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