RCMP have confirmed that a man they were initially looking for after poppy donation boxes were taken last week in Strathmore, Alta., is not a thief — it was an “unfortunate mix-up.”
Police recanted their earlier plea for help identifying a suspect, stating that no theft occurred. After confirming with local Legion branches, RCMP said they determined the complaint was unfounded.
“This was a misunderstanding involving a very eager volunteer who went above and beyond and collected boxes that he was not tasked to collect,” a news release from RCMP said on Saturday. “The money is accounted for and is where it belongs.”
Cpl. Laurel Scott said the person who made the complaint wasn’t aware of the man’s involvement.
Police initially said that on Nov. 7, a man went into a local Shell gas station claiming to be with the Royal Canadian Legion and switched out the full poppy donation box, replacing it with an empty container. He then allegedly stole the poppy donation box at the neighbouring Tim Hortons, RCMP said.
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