RCMP briefs from around Alberta

Fort Chipewyan

RCMP are searching for four missing hunters last seen April 23 on the Rocher River north of Fort Chipewyan, and heading to an area known as Devil’s Gate in Wood Buffalo National Park.

Parks Canada and Fort Chipewyan RCMP started searching the river in the area and have located the boat, but the search continues for the hunters. Search and rescue teams with the assistance of two helicopters and approximately 30 boats from the community are out on the waters.

Grande Prairie

One man has been arrested while trying to gain access to police vehicles with an axe.

RCMP report that an offduty officer noticed a male in the back parking lot with an axe in hand attempting to gain access to the vehicles. When confronted by police, the suspect ran to the front of the detachment, and refused to comply with their requests.

He then fled on foot and dropped the axe. He was apprehended shortly thereafter without any further incidents.

Strathcona County

RCMP in Strathcona and emergency services responded early Monday morning to a fatal workplace accident. The 57-year-old victim from Saskatchewan was located deceased inside a grain hopper at the HiPro Feeds Business. RCMP say early indications suggest the victim was in the process of clearing the hopper when the accident occurred. The name of the victim is not being released. Federal Occupational Health and Safety investigators have taken over the follow-up investigation.

Wood Buffalo

RCMP are warning the public about a water filtration system scam following several complaints. RCMP state that a private company claiming to be endorsed by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has been approaching residences in an attempt to sell a water filtration system for their homes.

Police remind the public to not purchase a product or service without careful research, be wary of down payment requests and things that are too good to be true.

Red Deer

Three men and a woman were arrested April 21 after fleeing police in a stolen truck and eventually crashing into the front steps of a house.

Red Deer RCMP report the stolen truck was located in the early morning driving at high speeds. RCMP pursued the truck and utilized tire deflation devices. Despite the device successfully flattening the front driver’s-side tire, the truck continued driving at a high speed, crossed a median, drove the wrong way down a street and eventually collided with the front steps of a residence.

No civilians or police were injured. The driver was taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries. While the front pillars and steps to the residence were damaged, the local fire service made an inspection of the residence to ensure it was safe for the residents to return inside.