A drug-fueled crime spree ended with a 25-year-old male suspect under arrest.

Turner Valley and Cochrane RCMP began to deal with a suspect who was committing numerous property crime offences in the morning hours of Canada Day (July 1).

Cochrane RCMP, Corporal Troy Savinkoff says the spree began around 10 am in the Turner Valley/Priddis/ Redwood Meadows/Bragg Creek areas and ended at roughly 1:30 pm. "We were able to locate the male in Bragg Creek where he was arrested for multiple offences. In the process of committing these offences, he did bear spray one individual who interrupted him as he was committing a theft. He had stolen several different things and committed mischief as well during his crime spree."

The male who was bear sprayed was not transported to the hospital and all stolen goods have since been recovered. 

Corporal Savinkoff shares RCMP believe the male's actions were heavily influenced by narcotics. "He was certainly intoxicated by the drugs he was using and we believe that may have contributed to the rash he was committing at the time."

Thomas Hildenbrand of no fixed address has been charged with robbery, assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, theft over $5000 and mischief.  Hildenbrand was released from custody by a Justice of the Peace and is scheduled to appear in Cochrane Court on July 24th at 9:00 am.

Whether or not an individual is remanded in custody or released depends on a few factors and is decided upon the Justice of the Peace involved with the case.  While Savinkoff could not comment on the specifics to this case he shared what is generally factored in. "There are three main factors when deciding whether to remand a person and that's will the person go to court, will the person commit further offences and will the person be dangerous. They also look at the offences committed, support networks the individual may have at home and the main part will be looking at the individual's criminal record to see if has shown he can follow conditions in the past."

While it is great residents are keeping eyes and ears on their communities, Corporal Savinkoff reminds residents to be careful when approaching suspects. "Always remember these suspects can be armed, in this case with bear spray, and can be aggressive. Call the police and keep yourself safe while you wait for our arrival."

This is the third case in the past few weeks where bear spray was used as a weapon of choice.