A Calgary man faces a number of charges following a Friday night incident outside of a rural home east of Aldersyde.
According to RCMP, officers were called to a home near the intersection of 402 Avenue and 208 Street East shortly after 8:00 p.m. after an unknown person holding a large machete was spotted in the yard.
RCMP members located the suspect behind the wheel of a white pickup truck and officers challenged the man with guns drawn. The suspect refused to exit the truck, electing to drive through a field in an attempt to flee the scene.
Officers determined the pickup truck was stolen and gave chase. The truck crossed several properties, plowing through several farm fences. After a pursuit lasting nearly 20 minutes, the stolen pickup became stuck prompting the driver to attempt an escape on foot.
A short time later, the suspect, 30-year-old Rodney Allan Ariss of Calgary, was apprehended.
Ariss faces charges of:
- Assault with a weapon (two counts)
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Flight from police
- Mischief over $5,000
- Impaired operation of a motor vehicle
- Failing to comply with conditions of a recognizance (three counts)
As of Saturday night, Ariss remains in police custody.
No injuries have been reported in connection with the pursuit but the chase resulted in significant property damage.
**UPDATE: Ariss was convicted of the charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of property obtained by crime , dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to comply with conditions of a recognizance and has served his jail sentence for these offences. The other charges were withdrawn.**
