A 23-year-old Turner Valley man has been arrested and charged in connection to the theft of a vehicle and an attempted getaway which resulted in injuries to world champion steer wrestler Lee Graves and his horses which had been participating in the Calgary Stampede’s roping and steer wrestling events.
Early Wednesday morning, Graves reported his truck and attached trailer containing three horses had been stolen from outside the Black Diamond Hotel.
Members of the RCMP searched Black Diamond and the neighbouring town of Turner Valley for the stolen vehicle but it was Graves who located the truck being driven by the suspect on a Black Diamond street.
Concerned for the safety of his horses, Graves climbed on the running board of the truck and attempted to reason with the man driving his truck. In an attempt to flee the area, the driver collided with a barrier, which knocked the Graves from the truck.
The abandoned truck and trailer were located by police a short time later in Turner Valley. Graves arrived to discover his horses had been injured in the getaway. The steeds, Dave, HYTY and Snap, suffered cuts and bruising during the incident and all three animals were distraught.
RCMP dog services attended the scene and located a suspect in the area.
23-year-old Joshua Lemire, a resident of Turner Valley, was arrested and charged with:
- Theft of truck
- Theft over $5,000
- Dangerous driving causing bodily harm
- Criminal negligence causing bodily harm
- Endangering animals,
- Two counts of failing to remain at accident scenes (one criminal and one provincial charge)
- Breaching court order
Lemire remains in police custody and is expected to appear in Turner Valley Provincial Court on July 15, 2014.
Lee Graves was injured when he was thrown from the truck but will continue to participate in Calgary Stampede events. Dave, HYTY and Snap's injuries will prevent the horses from competing during the remaining rodeo events of the 2014 Calgary Stampede.
