The family of Brandon Thomas is relieved that the prized truck belonging to the late Cochranite has been retrieved after being stolen earlier this morning (June 3).
The 1986 Toyota 4-Runner was stolen at around 4:30 a.m. from its West Valley residence in Cochrane - according to a neighbour's camera – and located at the Gas Plus station in Balzac at around 8:45 a.m.
Airdrie RCMP have confirmed that two suspects have been taken into custody, charged with possession of stolen property.
As one of the suspects has outstanding warrants in Calgary, there may be other charges pending and first appearances in court have yet to be announced.
Brandon's mother, Kim, noticed the missing truck from her home when she got up around 6:30 a.m. for work. She immediately phoned Kayla to let her know what had taken place and that someone had stolen the "yota."
"It's one of the last pieces we have of Brandon and his life," said Kayla, adding that she was "shocked" that someone would steal such a recognizable vehicle – as the custom black and blue painted truck is also covered in signatures from the annual attendees of the Show Your Ride for Brandon, the charitable show and shine held each year in honour of the late budding mechanic who was killed by a drunk driver in December of 2012.
"We are so relieved," said Kayla.
The hero of the day? Kalin Glenn – Thomas family friend and committee member for the annual show and shine event.
Glenn immediately offered his assistance this morning upon learning of the theft. While driving along Stoney Trail this morning toward Cochrane, he spotted the stand out vehicle traveling south, heading in the opposite direction from him.
Kayla said that Glenn then turned around in the ditch and trailed the vehicle to the Gas Plus in Balzac.
Glenn, who had called RCMP by that time, got out of his car and was spotted by the suspect who had been driving the stolen truck – who then fled on foot and was soon after apprehended by RCMP.
Kayla said the vehicle was brought back to Cochrane by Big Hill Towing with minimal damage.
"(Almost) everything is intact. The only thing that was kind of ripped apart was the top part of the steering column because they had to get in there to start it (hotwire it)," explained Kayla.
The truck was Brandon's first vehicle purchase at age 14. While her late little brother had "big plans" for the truck, time was not on side and he never got the chance to do the mechanical or body work intended, as he died at age 17.
In his memory, friends and family banded together to do restoration work to the truck, which is now on display at the annual Show Your Ride For Brandon event – as evidenced by the countless signatures all over it.
Pre-registration for the annual event is available through the Facebook page and will take place in Lots 25A and 25B at Stampede Park on Aug. 25 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
