A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the theft of an Edmonton Food Bank van on Monday morning, disrupting efforts to collect donations during the holiday season.
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) reported that the van, a large GMC cutaway vehicle, was stolen from the Edmonton Food Bank’s loading dock at 115 Ave. and 120 St. as it was being prepared for donation pickups.
The EPS Targeted Response to Auto Theft Prevention (TRAP) Team was activated after the van’s GPS tracking device pinpointed its location in an alley near 104 St. and 119 Ave.
When officers arrived, they found the suspect attempting to paint over the Edmonton Food Bank’s decals on the vehicle. The man tried to flee but got the van stuck in the snow, leading to his arrest.
Police also discovered that the acrylic paint used in the attempt to disguise the van had been stolen from a nearby store.
Jacob Doucette, 31, is facing multiple charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000, and uttering threats.
“Non-profits such as our local Edmonton Food Bank rely heavily on their vehicles to help the communities they serve,” said Sgt. Brian Carfantan of the EPS TRAP Team.
“We’re pleased we were able to locate the van quickly and make an arrest so that their important work can continue without delay.”