— RCMP in southern Alberta have charged another suspect in a theft investigation in which a homeowner is accused of firing shots as people were rummaging through his vehicles. Police say Stephanie Martens of Okotoks faces charges of theft, trespass and mischief. Edouard Maurice, the homeowner, faces charges of aggravated assault, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm. Last Friday, a crowd of about 150 people applauded Maurice after he made a brief court appearance on the charges. On Friday, Alberta announced it will spend $10-million to hire more RCMP, Crown prosecutors and other staff to crack down on rural crime, which is at a five-year high.

Source: National Post March 15, 2018 22:52 UTC