An elderly man in Ponoka was recently victim to a random home invasion in the community.

On July 2nd, RCMP responded to a call shortly after 7 p.m., when the man answered a knock at his door and allowed the unknown suspect into the home. 

The suspect took a few items from the home, pushed the elderly man down and got away on a bike. 

The homeowner was taken to hospital, treated and released with no serious injuries. 

The suspect was arrested after several other complaints about the man came to RCMP, and the 33-year-old male was in custody by 8 p.m. that evening. 

The suspect is facing a number of charges as listed below. 

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On July 2, the RCMP located and took one male into custody following what appears to be a random home invasion at a residence in Ponoka.

At 7:07 p.m., Ponoka RCMP responded to a 911 call. The information was that an elderly male was home alone when he answered a knock at his door. He let an unknown male in and the suspect male took items from his home, pushed the homeowner down, took a knife and cut the phone cord.  He departed on a bicycle.

The homeowner was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.

Following this incident, other complaints were received in relation to this male, including that he made unsuccessful threats to steal a vehicle.

At 7:49 p.m., as a result of public tips, the RCMP located and arrested the male without incident.  The silver bike he was riding has been seized and investigation is ongoing to determine if it was stolen.

 We appreciate the pro-active efforts of the citizens in Ponoka who alerted the RCMP with information pertaining to this wrongdoer.  This collaborative effort with police helped to facilitate the timely capture of this male" says Sgt. Erin St-Cyr of the Ponoka RCMP.  “This is a reminder that although we have a community where neighbours watch out for each other, we need to remain vigilant about keeping our doors locked and watching for suspicious people and activity.”

A 33-year-old male will be charged with criminal code offences of robbery (x2), assault causing bodily harm, break, enter and commit theft and fail to comply with release conditions.  

If you have information about any of the above incidents, please contact the Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472.