Update as of 3:42pm: The RCMP have arrested Michael Richter, without incident, on his outstanding warrant.

 

 

Story from earlier.

From Blackfalds RCMP: 

Haynes, Alberta – On November 6, Blackfalds RCMP responded to a complaint of a two vehicle collision which resulted in one of the drivers taking the other driver’s vehicle and fleeing.

RCMP are now seeking information on the whereabouts of the suspect driver, 38-year-old Michael Richter.

Just prior to 4:00 p.m., a report of a collision on Township Road 394 was dispatched to RCMP. An SUV collided with a pick up truck and the SUV became disabled. The driver of the SUV forcefully took the pick-up truck and fled from the collision scene. The lone male occupant of the pick up truck was not injured as a result of the collision, but suffered injuries as a result of a struggle with the suspect.

The pick up truck, with two flat tires, was seen to travel north towards Bashaw, then towards Ponoka and was last seen driving onto an oilfield lease site. It has since been recovered by the RCMP.

At 5:10 p.m., an extensive amount of RCMP members from Ponoka, Blackfalds, Maskwacis and Bashaw Detachments as well as support units; Red Deer and Wetaskiwin Police Dog Services, GIS and Ponoka Integrated Traffic Services established containment around the oilfield lease site. The RCMP helicopter was deployed as well as the Emergency Response Team (ERT). It was later determined that prior to this containment – the suspect managed to flee from the property on a snowmobile.

The RCMP have an arrest warrant for Michael Richter who is being charged with six criminal code offenses connected to this incident:

- Robbery
- Fail to remain at the scene of an accident
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Disobey an Order of court

Richter is also the subject of prior arrest warrants out of Ponoka and Red Deer.

Richter is described as:

- Caucasian
- 5’10” tall / 150 lbs
- Bald head / with some facial hair
- Hazel eyes
- Small scar on the left side of his chin

At the time of the incident in Haynes, Richter was wearing white camouflage, carrying a white bag and a rifle. While the driver in the pick up truck was not directly threatened by Richter with the rifle, Richter is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Richter is urged not to approach him, but to immediately contact the Blackfalds RCMP Detachment at 403-885-3300, or contact your local police service. . If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS.