Residents of Peerless Trout First Nation in northern Alberta were instructed to remain indoors overnight following reports of three individuals believed to be armed. The suspects were spotted just north of the community by regional RCMP after allegedly committing an armed robbery and firing shots earlier that day.
An Alberta Emergency Alert was issued for the area, advising residents to secure their homes, avoid opening doors to strangers, and report any sightings to 911 while authorities searched for the suspects. The shelter-in-place order and emergency alert were lifted the next morning as the police determined that the suspects had left the vicinity, no longer posing an immediate threat.
Chief Gilbert Okemow of Peerless Trout First Nation expressed concern for the community members, noting the unsettling nature of not knowing the identities or origins of the individuals involved in criminal activities. The suspects had reportedly stolen firearms from a local business near Red Earth Creek before fleeing the scene and evading initial police search efforts.
After multiple sightings of the suspect vehicle, the RCMP located the suspects along Highway 686, prompting the emergency alert and shelter-in-place instructions. Despite an extensive search operation, the suspects were not found in the area the following morning, leading to the cancellation of the emergency alert.
While authorities believe the suspects have moved away from Peerless Trout First Nation, they caution that the individuals are armed and dangerous. The public is advised to avoid contact and report any sightings to law enforcement immediately.
