Armed robbery near Vilna sees one charged, others sought by RCMP

RCMP continue to search for the victim’s vehicle, which is described as a red 1997 Mazda B2300 pick-up truck. It bears an Alberta licence plate LWAS380.

One person has been arrested and charged, and RCMP are still looking for three suspects involved in an armed robbery near Vilna.

A break-and-enter in progress was reported on Monday, April 22 just after 5:00PM on Township Road 602 near Vilna. 

Property owners described three or more armed men coming onto their rural residence to steal items from the outbuildings.  

The suspects stole the victim’s pick up and they fled the area in two vehicles. Smoky Lake RCMP attended and located both vehicles driving away. 

Police said they attempted to deploy spike belts, during which time one of the suspect vehicles swerved towards the officer, narrowly missing him and then getting stuck in the ditch. 

This vehicle was discovered to have been stolen from the Cold Lake area on March 30, 2024.  

Two suspects then fled from the vehicle.

Officers contained the area and coordinated additional resources including officers from St. Paul, Lac La Biche, and Boyle Detachments, the Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, the Emergency Response Team, and a Police Dog.

Ultimately, police were successful in locating and arresting one suspect.

Smoky Lake RCMP have charged Saddle Lake resident Philip Hope, 21, with:

• Robbery with a firearm
• Assault on peace officer with a weapon;
• Mischief over $5000;
• Possession of property obtained by crime;
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
• Flight from police.

Hope has been taken before a justice of the peace and remanded in custody for a future court date at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Saskatchewan.

RCMP continue to search for the victim’s vehicle, which is described as a red 1997 Mazda B2300 pick-up truck. It bears an Alberta license plate LWAS380.

Additionally, the search for three additional suspects is ongoing, and RCMP are asking for help from the public.

If you have an information regarding this crime or those responsible, you are asked to contact the Smoky Lake RCMP at 780-656-3691. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).