Two men are facing a staggering 80-plus criminal charges following what police are describing as a weeklong crime spree that terrorized Central Alberta communities.
The RCMP investigation began on February 13th when officers responded to reports of stolen vehicles in the Red Deer area. What unfolded was a pattern of criminal activity that would continue for seven days across multiple jurisdictions.
A Trail of Destruction Across Multiple Communities
According to authorities, the crime wave extended beyond Red Deer to include Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds, Lacombe, and Ponoka. The suspects' alleged activities included:
- Multiple vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles
- Break-and-enters at residential and commercial properties
- Dangerous driving and flight from police
- Possession of stolen property
The Dramatic Arrest
The weeklong crime spree came to a dramatic conclusion on February 20th when RCMP crime reduction units from multiple detachments coordinated efforts to locate and arrest the suspects.
Jesse Krysler, 32, of Red Deer faces 46 criminal charges including multiple counts of vehicle theft, break-and-enter, possession of stolen property, and flight from police.
Shawn Mearon, 43, of no fixed address faces 38 criminal charges including similar offenses related to the crime spree.
Police Response and Community Impact
RCMP Staff Sgt. Scott Lande of the Red Deer Rural RCMP emphasized the collaborative nature of the investigation, noting that "the combined efforts of multiple RCMP detachments were crucial in bringing this crime spree to an end."
The extensive list of charges reflects the significant impact these crimes had on Central Alberta communities throughout the weeklong period. Both suspects remain in custody awaiting judicial proceedings.
Police are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone with additional information about these incidents to contact their local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers.
