A police pursuit near Elk Island Park following a report of an armed robbery in Vegreville on March 23 has resulted in the arrest of three people.
Two residents of Edmonton and one resident from Cold Lake were charged with robbery, intimidation, theft of a motor vehicle, flight from police and obstruction, following the incident, according to RCMP.
On March 23 at about 5 a.m., "Vegreville RCMP received a report of a robbery at the Vegreville Petro Canada. A suspect entered the store and pointed a firearm at the employee demanding money," according to information from RCMP released on March 25.
"Ultimately the suspects stole the employees purse and vehicle keys. The suspects then stole the victim’s vehicle and fled."
RCMP found the stolen vehicle travelling west on Highway 16, going towards Edmonton.
"When RCMP attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled. There was a short pursuit when the vehicle lost control and struck a fence at Elk Island Park," according to police. "One suspect was quickly arrested with the vehicle. Two additional suspects fled on foot."
RCMP used several police resources to locate and arrest both additional suspects.
"A search of the vehicle revealed a black revolver type pellet gun," according to RCMP.
“This call for service is an example of the severity of calls that the Alberta RCMP deal with daily. I am extremely proud of my members in Vegreville," said Staff Sgt. Colin Folk. "Their quick response and composure resulted in three individuals being arrested without injury to my members, the general public and the suspects."
Edmonton residents, Robert Cardinal, 29 and Adam Coates, 29, as well as Cold Lake resident Dakota Masson, 38, were charged.
"All three men were taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody for future court dates at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville," according to RCMP.
"This response also showcases the benefit of having the RCMP as the Province's contract policing provider. The RCMP has access to many different sections that can deploy very quickly to calls for service like this to assist front line members in small communities," said Folk. "In this particular incident the Vegreville RCMP had assistance from the RCMP Air Services Helicopter, multiple Police Dog Services members, a drone, and front-line members from three different detachment areas. Having access to all these specific units greatly increases the ability for these situations to end with a positive outcome.”
