2 charged for trying to steal vehicles around Edmonton: RCMP

Alberta RCMP say a 25-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy have been charged after allegedly trying to steal multiple vehicles around Edmonton.

Mounties say on Feb. 24, two people were reportedly seen trying to steal a truck outside a store near Wabamun — roughly 55 km west of Edmonton. The pair were confronted, and one reportedly pointed a gun at the truck’s owner before fleeing the scene in another stolen vehicle.

On Feb. 26, a man was seen trying to steal a vehicle near Spruce Grove that was occupied by a child at the time. The parents confronted the man, were able to enter the moving vehicle, and an altercation took place until the vehicle was stopped, and the man fled the scene.

Through an investigation, RCMP executed several search warrants in Parkland and the Edmonton area and were able to identify two people believed to be connected to the attempted thefts.

“This investigation was a priority and we will continue to dedicate significant resources to stop violent offenders who jeopardize public safety” said Inspector Kevin Mcgillivray, the Detachment Commander of the Parkland RCMP, in a statement.

Since, 25-year-old Kalob Kochanowsky, of Edmonton, and a 17-year-old boy have been charged with robbery with a firearm and possession of property obtained by a crime over $5,000.

The 17-year-old is also facing charges of robbery and abduction, while Kochanowsky is facing charges of using a firearm in the commission of an offence, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon contrary to an order, and operating a vehicle while prohibited.

Kochanowsky is expected to appear in court on May 20, while the 17-year-old is expected to appear in court on May 21.