Residents of Peerless Trout First Nation in northern Alberta were forced to take shelter overnight when RCMP officers spotted three individuals just north of the community on Saturday evening. The suspects were believed to be armed after allegedly committing a robbery involving firearms and firing shots earlier that same day.
The incident prompted an Alberta Emergency Alert for the area, urging residents to remain indoors, secure their doors and windows, avoid opening doors to strangers, and report any sightings to 911. The shelter-in-place directive and emergency alert were lifted the following morning as authorities determined that the suspects had left the vicinity, alleviating the immediate threat to the community.
Chief Gilbert Okemow of Peerless Trout First Nation expressed concerns over the safety of community members, noting that the situation had caused fear among residents. Despite not knowing the identities or origins of the suspects, it was clear to the community that their actions were malicious.
According to RCMP reports, the armed suspects had stolen multiple firearms from a business near Red Earth Creek, approximately 350 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, before engaging in a shooting incident. Following the crime, the suspects eluded initial police search efforts but were later located along Highway 686 near Peerless Trout First Nation. Upon encountering law enforcement, the suspects fled into the forest, taking firearms with them.
A province-wide emergency alert was issued after the suspects’ discovery, cautioning the public about the dangerous individuals at large. Police established containment measures and conducted a thorough search of the area, eventually determining that the suspects had moved on by Sunday morning. The emergency alert was subsequently lifted, allowing residents to resume their normal activities.
Despite the suspects no longer being in the immediate vicinity, law enforcement emphasized that they were still armed and posed a threat. Authorities advised the public to avoid contact with the suspects and promptly report any sightings to 911 for their safety.