An RCMP officer grabbed a ride on a snowmobile to chase a stolen tractor through a snowy farm field near Red Deer in central Alberta Wednesday.

Shortly before 4 p.m. MT, Blackfalds RCMP responded to a call about a break-in at a rural home on Highway 595, east of Red Deer. There, they found that firearms and other items had been taken from the home.

Just over an hour later, police got a call about a stolen John Deere tractor. They gave chase, tracking the tractor through farm fields, where it crashed through fences and smashed through trees.

One of the officers stopped a person who was riding nearby on a snowmobile. Police said the rider offered a lift to help follow the farm machine.

RCMP said the driver of the getaway tractor stalled while trying to climb a hill. When he tried to back down, the vehicle rolled and the suspect was arrested. He was not injured in the crash, though the tractor suffered extensive damage.

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man, who is facing charges including theft and break-and-enter.