Councillor wakes up to alarming surprise

It was an alarming wake-up call that Councillor Blaine Hyggen won’t soon forget.

“I think it was 1:20 in the morning. Dog was making a fuss outside, I had heard a sliding vehicle door, van door. So got up and walked over to our window,” he said.

Hyggen couldn’t believe what he saw next. He says someone jumped into his white van, and drove off with it.

Once Hyggen heard police were in pursuit of his stolen vehicle, he started driving around to find it himself and when he did he was shocked to see what happened.

“When they first told me it was taken, and it was down in the alley, I thought someone had just got out and they took off and I would be able to take my van home. When I saw it on the roof it was definitely non-salvagable at that point.”

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After the vehicle rolled over, the two males jumped out and fled the scene in opposite directions.

Hyggen said he is sad to lose the family van, but it’s not a major loss. “It’s unfortunate the vehicle’s gone but personally I don’t feel too violated over it,” he said.

“We bought the van in brand new in 99, so it’s kind of like you know we call it the white bullet. It’s kind of like, rest in peace white bullet.

Lethbridge Regional Police have one suspect in custody and have charged them with one count of theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

Police are still searching for a second individual they believe is involved in this incident, and they are asking the public to contact them with any information regarding the case.