While armed suspects are still at large, RCMP is lifting a shelter-in-place order issued in Wheatland County, east of Calgary.

An emergency alert was issued just after 1:30 p.m., saying two armed and extremely dangerous suspects were in the area of Highway 564 and Range Road 252, north of Strathmore, Alta.

In an update on Tuesday afternoon, police said the area has been searched and contained and they are confident the suspects are no longer in the area.

“The suspects are still at large and there is no further information regarding them. The investigation continues and updates will be sent as the situation develops,” RCMP said in a news release.

The scene at Range Road 252 and Township Road 260 is being processed and police are asking the public to avoid the area.

Search and Containment

RCMP members were initially on the scene around 1 p.m. for a “serious incident,” issuing a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

Impact on Residents

The shelter-in-place order impacted residents from Highway 564 north to Township Road 262, and between Range Road 253 and Range Road 251. The order advised residents to stay indoors, close and lock their windows and doors, and avoid answering their doors or picking up strangers. This order was lifted several hours later after RCMP conducted a thorough search of the area.

Ongoing Investigation

Despite lifting the shelter-in-place order, RCMP emphasizes that the investigation is ongoing and that the suspects remain at large. No further details about the suspects, including their identities or descriptions, have been released. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and to contact authorities if they see anything suspicious.

Location and Impact

Strathmore, located approximately 51 kilometres east of Calgary, is where the suspects were first reported. The incident has caused significant disruption in the area, with police actively searching for the suspects and urging residents to remain cautious. While the immediate threat has been mitigated, the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of the suspects continues to be a concern for local residents.

The aftermath of the event has also brought to light the importance of communication and cooperation between law enforcement and the community. The prompt issuance of the emergency alert, coupled with the subsequent updates provided by the RCMP, helped to ensure the safety of residents and facilitated a coordinated response to the situation.

Continued Police Presence

Despite the lifting of the shelter-in-place order, RCMP officers are still on scene, processing the incident site at Range Road 252 and Township Road 260. This ongoing presence serves as a reminder that the investigation is far from over, and that RCMP are committed to ensuring public safety. The area remains cordoned off to the public, and police urge residents to avoid the area until further notice.

The incident in Wheatland County highlights the need for vigilance and rapid response in situations involving dangerous individuals. The RCMP's handling of the situation, including the swift implementation and subsequent lifting of the shelter-in-place order, demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding the community. This incident also underscores the importance of public cooperation in such situations, as community awareness and adherence to official directives can play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.