WESTLOCK, Alta - Although RCMP continue to investigate a report of a suspicious man wearing camouflage who was carrying backpack that appeared to contain a possible firearm, they say “it remains unclear what, if any offences were committed, or if there was a risk to the community.”
An RCMP news release sent out at 1:52 p.m. reports that on June 15, at 9:54 a.m., Westlock RCMP received a report of a man on 107th Street walking towards Highway 44 wearing camouflage and a backpack that appeared to contain a possible firearm. RCMP attended the area, made patrols and spoke to residents who confirmed the sighting.
RCMP then advised local schools and sent out a Westlock and Area Crime Coalition Alert in “an abundance of caution” — all three Westlock schools went into “hold and secure” at 10:30 a.m. meaning they locked the doors and no one from outside was let in, while students continued to move through the school and attend regular classes.
At 1:30 p.m., WACC advised that no further sightings have been reported, while at 1 p.m., Pembina Hills noted on its website that the hold and secure was over. The post from WACC also noted “there has been no threat to the community and no criminal activity occurred.”
The release from RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff notes that it remains unclear what, if any offences were committed, or if there was a risk to the community and Westlock RCMP continue to investigate.
