Early Morning Robbery Leaves Path Of Destruction In High River

High River RCMP are on the trail of the thieves who pulled the smash and grab of the ATM from the Rexall Drugs on 5th Avenue early Thursday morning.

Around 3:50 A.M. Thursday, High River RCMP on routine patrol spotted a suspicious vehicle traveling north on Mcleod Trail with no lights on.

Constable Versfelt with the High river RCMP says the Officer made an attempt to stop the vehicle without success.

"He tried to stop that vehicle and it didn't stop, it took off on him and just for safety reasons he didn't continue to pursue that vehicle."

He says the vehicle drove off down the Happy Trails, by the driving range at the Highwood Golf & Country Club causing extensive damage to town property.

Versfelt says that at 7:20 A.M. RCMP were called to a break, enter and theft from the Rexall Drug Store and says the front window was smashed out, and the ATM machine was stolen.

He says the robbery took place around at 3:45 A.M. and the vehicle involved departed the area moments before the truck was seen on Mcleod Trail.

He says the vehicle was found later in the morning in a field near High River with extensive damage along with items inside the vehicle that tie it to the break and enter at Rexall.

"The investigation confirmed that the break in occurred at about 3:45 A.M. and then the vehicle departed the area right after that."

He says someone out for a walk found the vehicle later in the morning.

"We were called about mid-morning by a Citizen who had found a vehicle abandoned in a field west of town. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Okotoks at about 12:30 A.M. and items from that vehicle tie it to the break and enter at Rexall."

Versfelt says the vehicle and items were seized for forensic examination.

He says if anyone has any information about this crime to please contact High River RCMP at 403-652-2357 or if you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stopers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com.