Ponoka RCMP say they contended with their second violent incident in the same number of days where the public was instrumental in the capture of a suspect. This dates back to last Thursday when a motorist gave a ride to a hitchhiker and it escalated into an assault which led to a police dog track and an arrest.

Alberta RCMP say they were called to a report of a man at a rural property needing help which is when they learned a hitchhiker had pulled a knife and bear spray on a man who’d given him a ride. The driver deliberately drove his truck into a ditch and while trying to get away was attacked with the knife. He managed to flee and get help.

With tips from area home owners and following a successful track by the police dog a suspect was located and taken into custody. Dennis Tyler Rattlesnake, age 35, is facing charges of unlawful confinement, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.