A funeral was held yesterday in Red Deer for the young man who died while trying to stop thieves from taking his van last week.

On March 16th, at approximately 4:54 a.m., members of the Red Deer City Detachment were dispatched to a report of a man in distress in an alley in behind Nordegg Crescent.

Police located the man and he was transported to hospital for treatment where he later died.

The investigation has determined that the 23-year-old Red Deer man, Dawson (D.J.) Wegner Cramer, had attempted to stop two suspects from stealing his 2001 white Ford F650 when he was killed.

The vehicle fled the scene. Wegner Cramer’s vehicle was recovered a short distance away in a residential area on Page Ave., however the two suspects had left the vehicle according to witnesses who saw the two men run into a wooded area.

Police have confirmed that the two scenes being investigated are connected.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a white F650 driving erratically March 16th between 4:50 a.m. and 5:50 a.m. in the area of Nordegg Crescent, Nolan Street, Page Avenue, Gaetz Avenue and 76th St.

Anyone who may have a video recording of the incident, be it on a smart phone, security camera or other device, is asked to contact investigators.

The Calgary RCMP Major Crimes Unit (MCU) has assumed carriage of this investigation and is receiving assistance from the RCMP Forensic Investigation Section (FIS) in addition to investigators from the Red Deer RCMP Detachment.

The RCMP is looking for help in solving this crime. Anyone with any information about this matter is asked to call the Red Deer City RCMP Detachment at 403-343-5575 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers.

At Crime Stoppers, tippers do not need to reveal their identities. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display, Call Trace or tape any phone calls. If the information leads to an arrest, tippers may qualify for a cash award up to $2,000. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

– Fawcett