Two men arrested after day-long crime spree involving stolen trucks, damaged farm property

Two men have been arrested after a day‑long crime spree that left rural residents across southern Alberta dealing with stolen vehicles, damaged property, and dangerous driving.

RCMP say the investigation began around 3:45 a.m. on Sept. 9, when an Airdrie officer spotted a suspicious vehicle at a Crossfield gas station.

The driver allegedly sped off and didn’t signal while pulling onto the road. Police didn’t pursue, but the licence plate showed the truck had been stolen from a Calgary home earlier that night.

Officers later saw the suspects abandon the truck and climb into another pickup. The driver was identified and was known to police.

Police say the same group appeared again that afternoon at around 3 p.m. when Didsbury RCMP were called to a rural property where a newer Ford F‑350 was seen trying to steal diesel from a farm tank. The suspects fled when confronted by the landowner, and police believe this was the same truck that picked up the suspects earlier.

Then around 6:15 p.m., Drumheller RCMP received a report that a dark blue F‑350 had arrived at a work site, where people inside stole a blue 2022 F‑350 Tremor. Minutes later, police were told a blue F‑350 was ramming a gate at a rural oil lease.

Officers arrived to find two blue F‑350s, but both trucks fled.

Mounties called in the Emergency Response Team and requested help from Calgary police.

Police received another report around 7:55 p.m. A rural landowner said one of the trucks tore through his field, causing major damage.

Around 8 p.m., members of the Rosebud Colony reported a blue F‑350 Tremor driving through their community before they chased it away.

Around 8:15 p.m., an officer located the suspect truck. Calgary’s HAWCS helicopter monitored the truck while officers attempted two spike‑belt stops, but the truck continued through farm fields, causing more damage.

A tactical maneuver brought the truck to a stop on Highway 9, and both suspects were arrested. Police found brass knuckles, knives, and bear spray inside the vehicle.

Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz of Strathmore RCMP said the arrests were the result of coordinated police work during a fast‑moving and dangerous situation.

“In this case, two individuals were involved in a crime spree that had a significant impact on several rural residents and communities,” said Wielgosz.

Nevada Desjarlais, 21, of no fixed address, is charged with flight from police, dangerous driving, possession of stolen property, mischief, weapons offences, driving while prohibited, breaching release conditions, and driving an uninsured vehicle. He also had outstanding warrants and was remanded into custody.

Jonathan Meakin, 37, of Calgary, is charged with flight from police, dangerous driving, possession of stolen property, mischief, weapons offences and breaching release conditions. He was also remanded into custody.

Both are scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

More charges are expected as the investigation continues. Police are asking anyone who believes they were affected to contact their local RCMP detachment.