On April 4, 2022, Steller RCMP received a complaint of a male with a gunshot wound at the Stettler hospital. The male has serious but non-life threatening injuries. On April 7, 2022, as a result of the subsequent investigation by Stettler RCMP supported by the Central Alberta District General Investigation Section, Central Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, and a Wetaskiwin Police Dog Services Team; RCMP conducted a Judicially Authorized Search of a residence in the Town of Stettler. During the execution of the search warrant, RCMP arrested one suspect without incident.
RCMP have charged a 25-year-old male of Stettler with the following:
- Aggravated Assault, S. 268 C.C.
- Careless Use of a Firearm, S. 86 (1) C.C.
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, S. 91 (1) C.C.
- Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition while Prohibited, S. 117.01 (1) C.C. (x2)
- Possession of Ammunition while Prohibited
He has been remanded in custody with his next court appearance on April 14, 2022, in Stettler.
This was an isolated incident, and there was not a concern or risk to the general public. The schools in close proximity enacted a hold and secure protocol until RCMP completed their planned actions at an area residence.
"The RCMP's ability to access regional resources that offer specialized skills in support of smaller rural detachments significantly increases our effectiveness during high risk more intensive investigations such as these," says Staff Sergeant Bruce Holiday of the Stettler RCMP.