Medicine Hat man charged in Leader-area industrial break-ins

LEADER – A Medicine Hat man faces charges after an investigation into a string of break-ins at rural industrial sites in the Leader RCMP detachment area.

Leader RCMP received several reports of break-ins at rural industrial sites in the area between September and October. Tools and copper wire were among the items reported stolen. Officers investigated and gathered evidence at each scene.

On Oct. 8, Medicine Hat Police Service executed a search warrant at a home on Redwood Place S.E. in Medicine Hat in connection with an ongoing investigation. Officers seized a large amount of copper wire and other items and arrested two people.

Police say a joint investigation then linked one of those arrested to the break-ins in the Leader area.

Brian Aske, 48, of Medicine Hat is charged with two counts of break and enter and committing theft, two counts of theft under $5,000, one count of mischief over $5,000 and three counts of mischief under $5,000.

Aske is in custody in Alberta on charges laid in that province. Court details for the Saskatchewan charges are pending.

Leader RCMP thanked Medicine Hat Police Service for its help with the investigation.

Source: Leader RCMP