Wetaskiwin RCMP Arrest Suspect in High-Value Pickup Theft

On Jan. 20, 2026, at 6:34 a.m. , Wetaskiwin RCMP received a report of a theft of a pick up from a business in Wetaskiwin. 

RCMP set up surveillance at a known prolific offenders property in the Millet area and at approximately 8 a.m. observed the stolen vehicle. 

RCMP successfully deployed a Tire Deflation Device and eventually the vehicle stopped. The suspect attempted to run on foot however was quickly apprehended by police.

RCMP have charged Wetaskiwin County resident, Michael Kevin Drinnan (41), with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
• Resist arrest;
• Drive uninsured motor vehicle.

Drinnan was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with his next court date set for Jan. 22, 2026, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.

“The suspect in this case specifically indicated that this theft was a crime of opportunity as the vehicle was left running with the doors unlocked,” says Cpl. John Lean of the Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, “Recent statistics indicate that the keys are left in the vehicle in more that 50 per cent of car thefts. “

Cpl. Troy Savinkoff

Public information Officer – Central Alberta District

Alberta RCMP Media Group