On July 1, 2024, at 3:01 a.m. Redwater RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter in progress on Range Road 220 and Township Road 584, Thorhild County, where a vehicle had rammed the gates of the property. Officers from Redwater and Fort Saskatchewan responded, ultimately locating the suspect vehicle involved. The suspect vehicle fled the scene and a Fort Saskatchewan officer discharged their firearm.
The Alberta RCMP Real Time Operations Centre (RTOC) then coordinated the police response. Officers from the Sherwood Park, Morinville, Smoky Lake and Westlock detachments, Alberta RCMP Police Dog Service (PDS) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) were all brought in to assist. With the successful employment of a Tire Deflation Device, two suspects were apprehended in a second vehicle and remain in custody. A firearm was located in the second suspect vehicle.
No officers were injured in the incident.
Events like this can be traumatic for the public and the officers involved. Police recognize the trust placed in them to use force that is necessary, proportional and reasonable. Which is why this incident is an excellent example of coordinated, rapid police response to protect the community and maintain that trust.
In compliance with legislative requirements, the Director of Law Enforcement was immediately notified and directed the RCMP to investigate the circumstances of this incident with ASIRT oversight. The RCMP's internal review processes have also been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident, including Police training, policy, and response.
There will be a heavy police presence in the area as the RCMP conduct their investigation.