WESTLOCK – Two men facing numerous charges from an alleged crime spree last year have pleaded not guilty and want a jury trial.
A preliminary hearing for Dustin Tyler Moes, 38, and Tristen Laroche, 22, is scheduled for June 26 and 27 in Westlock Court of Justice to determine if there is enough evidence for them to stand trial.
Moes and Laroche have been in custody since their arrest in August 2024.
On Aug. 25, Athabasca RCMP had tried stopping a blue Dodge truck, but the driver sped off and hit a police vehicle in the process. Officers pursued the truck until it stopped in a wheat field. Two suspects, one with a firearm, fled on foot but were located and arrested nearby.
When police searched the area, they say they found a firearm and stolen items inside the truck that were linked to a break, enter and theft from a vehicle. Officers also found another firearm, ammunition and methamphetamine.
The theft from the vehicle, as well as a break-in at a home near the Hamlet of Pibroch, occurred on Aug. 24. A firearm was used to shoot out the window to gain access to the vehicle. In both incidents, the suspects were said to be driving a blue Dodge truck.
On Aug. 25, Westlock RCMP investigated two reports that windows of parked vehicles had been shot out in Westlock. One victim also described seeing a blue Dodge truck in the area.
Both Moes and Laroche are charged with nine weapons-related offences, two counts of recklessly discharging a firearm, obstruction, dangerous driving, theft of a vehicle, and break and enter. Moes is additionally charged with four counts of mischief, theft under $5,000, flight from police, and assault of a police officer. Laroche is additionally charged with two counts of breach of probation and three counts of mischief.
