On Feb. 2, 2025, Evansburg RCMP responded to a third-party report where it was believed an adult victim had been kidnapped at gunpoint in the area of Highway 16A and Range Road 81 in Evansburg.
Acting on this reported information, RCMP deployed significant resources, including dozens of members from Evansburg RCMP, Edson RCMP Traffic Unit, Edson RCMP, Whitecourt RCMP, Mayerthorpe RCMP, Parkland RCMP, Drayton Valley RCMP, Hinton RCMP, Barrhead RCMP, Saddle Lake RCMP, Real Time Operation Centre, RCMP Air Services, Alberta's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Major Crimes Unit, Emergency Response Team, and the Federal Serious & Organized Crime Unit.
RCMP located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled at an extremely high rate of speed, especially considering the road conditions; due to the perceived danger of the to the victim, a pursuit was initiated. RCMP were able to make contact with the vehicle, resulting in the driver fleeing on foot; the victim was secured safely with RCMP members.
RPAS and members began attempts at locating the suspect in a rural residential area, north of Range Road 150. The suspect was located running behind a shed, and the suspect attempted to break into a residence but was confronted by the homeowner, containment was initiated and shortly after, the suspect came out of the forest in surrender.
A 50-year-old individual, a resident of Onoway, Alta., was charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resist/obstruct a police officer, mischief under $5000, break and enter to a residence and forcible confinement.
The 50-year-old individual was brought before a justice of the peace, where he was remanded with a court date of Feb. 5, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta.
This investigation is still ongoing, and the RCMP would like to extend gratitude to community members for their assistance thus far.
The Evansburg RCMP is seeking the public's assistance with any information regarding the incident and any dashcam footage if available. Anyone with information in relation this incident is asked to please contact the Evansburg RCMP at 780-727-4446 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Background:
Feb. 2, 2025
Evansburg RCMP issuing shelter in place for rural area east of Edson - Update
Evansburg RCMP have lifted the shelter place for the area east of Edson on Range Road 150.
A suspect has been taken into custody and police are not searching for any others.
A release with additional details is anticipated. RCMP thank the public for their cooperation.
Background:
Feb. 2, 2025
Evansburg RCMP issuing shelter in place for rural area east of Edson
Evansburg RCMP is advising residents in the area east of Edson to shelter in place and not to open their doors to unknown persons.
RCMP are responding to an unfolding event north of the Yellowhead Highway, on Range Road 150 and south of Township Road 532D.
Residents of the area are asked to remain indoors, lock their residences and stay away from windows while officers respond.
There are a significant number of resources focused on responding to this unfolding event. Please refrain from posting photos of responding officers on social media or those stationary in this vicinity.
An update will be provided when further information is available.