The homeowner was able to scare the thieves off and they fled the area in a truck with a trailer stolen from the property. He followed them while calling the police who received the call just after 9 a.m., said Corp. Dan Fenton with the Athabasca RCMP.
The truck and trailer were later found abandoned and the suspects had fled on foot near Range Road 204.
“The complainant followed them and they tried to hide in a field, but he saw them,” Fenton said. “He kept eyes on them until RCMP arrived.”
The Boyle and Athabasca Detachments kept the area secure until the Emergency Response Team (ERT) arrived with a tracking dog and helicopter from Edmonton.
“We were able to set up a containment and wait for special services to arrive,” Fenton said.
Two men and two women were taken into custody without incident and a pellet gun and a can of bear spray were seized by police.
Ryan Horseman, 36, of Athabasca has been charged with break and enter with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, obstructing a peace officer, possession of a weapon obtained in a crime, assault with a weapon, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized and possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose.
Horseman was remanded to custody and is set to appear in Edmonton Provincial Court May 8.
Cody Kosinski, 30, of Athabasca was charged with break and enter with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, obstructing a peace officer, mischief to property under $5,000, and possession of break-in instruments.
Kosinski was released and is set to appear in Boyle Provincial Court July 28.
Also charged are Jennifer Athay, 32, and Jennifer White, 37, both of Athabasca. They were charged with break and enter with intent, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer.
Both were released and are set to appear in Boyle Provincial Court on July 28.
This story was updated May 7 at 3:34 p.m.
Heather Stocking, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @HLSox
