Truck thefts spark police chase, Unity RCMP make arrest

By Kate Winquist

UNITY – A series of vehicle thefts and a police pursuit in the Unity area ended with the arrest of a 29-year-old man earlier this week.

The incident began on the morning of September 24, when Unity RCMP received a report of suspicious activity in Salvador. Witnesses told police they saw a man enter a black truck, which then headed south on Highway 31. Shortly after, officers confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen.

Unity RCMP, with assistance from Luseland Police Service, tracked the truck and attempted a traffic stop near Salvador. Instead of stopping, the driver fled. Police later learned that some members of the public had been following the vehicle. Officers reminded residents that while tips and information are always welcome, people should never intervene during an active crime.

The black truck was later found abandoned in a rural area near Denzil, but the suspect had already fled the scene.

That same afternoon, RCMP received another call—this time about a stolen grey truck in the Denzil area. Officers quickly responded and located the vehicle in Unity, unoccupied. Continued investigation led police to a nearby residence in town, where they arrested 29-year-old Ricky Vidnes.

Vidnes now faces several charges, including:

• two counts of possession of property obtained by crime (over and under $5,000),

• two counts of motor vehicle theft,

• dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,

• flight from a peace officer, and

• failure to comply with an undertaking condition.

He was scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on September 29.

Unity RCMP expressed appreciation to Luseland Police Service for their assistance in the case.