RCMP in central Alberta have found the black van that was stolen from a Red Deer funeral home Tuesday morning, thanks to the public’s help.
Officers are “pleased to confirm that the body of the deceased man was located in the back of the van.”
Police said the vehicle was taken while the driver “briefly exited the van,” and that there was a body inside when it was taken.
“This vehicle theft was almost certainly a crime of opportunity, but with a very unfortunate and upsetting twist in that there is a deceased person in the back,” said Red Deer RCMP Superintendent Ken Foster.
Police were called on Tuesday at around 6:30 a.m. after the black 2014 Chrysler Town and Country van was stolen.
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The van was taken from the back parking lot of a funeral home and police said they began an immediate search. The RCMP helicopter was brought in to assist and other law enforcement partners were contacted for support.
The deceased man’s family was notified about the theft.
“This is a sensitive incident and we’re very aware of the distress it is causing to the family of the deceased and everyone connected to the incident,” Foster said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online, as RCMP continue to investigate.