Copper-theft investigation leads to rural chase, arrests in Southern Alberta
Posted Jun 26, 2026 10:47 am.
RCMP say a months‑long investigation into widespread copper‑wire thefts across southern Alberta escalated into a police chase and ended with three arrests and tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Mounties began looking into a series of thefts and property damage in May 2026 after copper wire was repeatedly stolen from oil and gas sites and farm operations in Lethbridge County, Taber, and Newell County.
On May 29, officers spotted suspects stealing irrigation equipment from a rural property. One vehicle became stuck in a potato field, where officers arrested a man carrying a large amount of copper wire.
A second vehicle fled along rural highways and backroads before police disabled it with a tire‑deflation device. The canine unit helped stop the vehicle, and a man and woman were arrested with more stolen wire.
Investigators later linked the suspects to other thefts and to trafficking stolen property across the region.
Damage from the May 29 incident alone is expected to exceed $96,000. RCMP note that damage to irrigation pivots can reduce crop yields or even cause crop failure.
Three southern Alberta residents are facing charges including David Dyck, 27, from Lethbridge, who is facing multiple mischief, theft and trafficking counts. Gerhard Martens, 34, from Raymond, is facing theft‑related offences plus fleeing police, dangerous driving and resisting arrest. Kaylee Grisdale, 24, from Lethbridge, is facing mischief and theft charges.
All three were released after a bail hearing. They were scheduled to appear in court this week and the case has been adjourned to July.
