UPDATE: 10:20 AM May 8

Ponoka RCMP have made an arrest in connection with the ongoing police incident in Ponoka County. There is no longer a risk to the community.

A report from the public of a suspicious person resulted in RCMP locating the suspect.  

An additional release with details will be provided once charges are laid.

 

UPDATE: 8:00 AM May 8

RCMP are lifting the Police Initiated Public Alert advising area residents to shelter in place. We have conducted an exhaustive search of the area with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Air Services, Police Dog Service, and officers from Ponoka, Maskwacis, Red Deer, Wetaskiwin, Bashaw, and Leduc Detachments that were unsuccessful in locating Zachary Dylan Littlechild.

RCMP ask that residents in the Ponoka and Maskwacis area remain vigilant as we continue to search for this suspect. Additional patrols will be in place to ensure increased safety to residents.

Littlechild is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach. Please call 911 immediately.

A release with additional details about this incident is anticipated.

 

UPDATE: 6:15AM, May 8

The Police Initiated Public Alert advising area residents to shelter in place remains. No new information is available at this time.

Police say more information will be available later. 

 

UPDATE: 9:35 pm, May 7

RCMP continue the search for an armed suspect last seen in the area of Township Road 422 and Range Road 245a in Ponoka County.

RCMP are looking for 30-year-old Maskwacis resident, Zachary Dylan Littlechild, who is described as:

·       6’3” tall

·       249 pounds

·       Brown hair with blond tips

·       Short buzz cut

·       Blue eyes

·       Last seen wearing a Black shirt and track pants.

Littlechild is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach. Please call 911 immediately.

 While officers respond we are asking all residents in the area to shelter in place, do not pick up people on the roadway, and secure doors and windows. Please call 911 if you see anything suspicious.

Police ask residents to reframe from posting pictures of responding members on social media until after the incident is over.

An Alberta Emergency Alert was issued at 9:29 pm

 

BACKGROUND STORY: 5:55 pm, May 7

Ponoka RCMP are currently on scene at a rural location near Township Road 422 and Range Road 245a in Ponoka County attempting to search for and effect an arrest of an armed suspect.

 While officers respond we are asking all residents in the area to shelter in place, do not pick up people on the roadway, and secure doors and windows. Please call 911 if you see anything suspicious.

Police ask residents to reframe from posting pictures of responding members on social media until after the incident is over.