RCMP investigate B&Es; first responders battle two fires in Bassano

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 22, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

This week Brooks RCMP responded to two separate break-and-enter calls and are actively seeking suspects in both matters.

Officers responded to the first call on Monday, shortly after 2:30 p.m., after receiving a report of a suspicious male inside the Crosstown Trucking yard who was captured on surveillance footage.

Police say the male suspect was seen rummaging through unlocked vehicles and inspecting various pieces of equipment on the footage and was last seen pulling a plastic sled.

This investigation is ongoing.

The following day on Tuesday, officers responded to a break-and-enter report at a seasonal cottage just south of Tilley just before 6 p.m.

Police say the owner discovered that the property was being used by someone without permission and were able to locate items belonging to the suspect upon inspection.

Investigators say they have identified a potential suspect and the investigation is ongoing.

Structure Fires

Bassano RCMP and the Bassano Fire Department are currently investigating two separate structure fires that occurred within a six-hour time period.

On Wednesday evening, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Bassano RCMP responded to a report of a structure fire at a home in the 400 block of Sixth Avenue. Upon arrival police say fire crews were already on scene containing the fire.

All occupants of the home were able to safely exit without injuries. Police say the fire is not suspicious in nature and likely caused by an electrical issue in the home, however an investigation is ongoing.

Roughly six hours later, in the early morning hours of Thursday, RCMP responded to another structure fire at a residence in the 500 block on Fifth Avenue.

Officers responded to the fire at approximately 1:45 a.m., fire crews were already on scene upon arrival. Police say in this instance a vehicle had caught fire in a yard which also led to the garage catching fire.

There were no injuries reported, however officers report significant damage to the vehicle and garage. Police suspect the fire appears to have originated from a block heater in the pickup.

This investigation continues. Police say there is no evidence to suggest these two incidents are connected or suspicious in nature.

Theft suspect

Brooks RCMP say they are attempting to locate a male suspect involved in a residential theft that occurred Sunday morning at 8:40 a.m.

Police say a suspicious male was seen on surveillance footage entering a shed and stealing a socket set and bag of recyclable cans at a residence near Tilley.

The homeowner was able to provide police with footage that shows the suspect driving a diesel Ford crew cab which is believed to be a stolen vehicle.

Police say they have identified the male suspect and are currently attempting to locate him.

Man charged with several warrants

Last week Brooks RCMP arrested and charged Timothy Setter, who was found to have multiple outstanding warrants for various jurisdictions for matters including assault, theft and fraud.

During a March 14 traffic stop police conducted a vehicle search and discovered a small quantity of methamphetamine and open alcohol containers.

Setter was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Setter was remanded in custody until his court appearance, which occurred March 17.

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