Smashing windows, throwing rocks, several charges for repeat local offender: Cold Lake RCMP

A repeat offender who police say was throwing rocks at a security guard, is facing charges after causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to a Cold Lake business.

Cold Lake RCMP last Thursday were dispatched to a report of a masked male breaking windows at a business in Cold Lake South, police say. 

Initial reports suggested that a security guard, who was nearby, approached the male while the incident was happening, according to police. 

The suspect then began throwing stones at the security guard before fleeing the scene, where he was observed getting into a taxi. 

Police were able to determine that a significant amount of damage was done to the business, exceeding $5000. 

A subsequent investigation was completed by the Cold Lake RCMP, which resulted in a male being arrested on Friday May 2. Police also executed a search warrant at a Cherry Grove, residence to look for evidence of the offences.

As a result of the investigation, John Cook, 31, a resident of Cherry Grove, has been charged with:

• Assault with a weapon;
• Mischief over $5000.00;
• Disguise with intent to commit an offence; and
• Failing to comply with conditions of a Probation Order.

Cook was brought before a justice of the peace who released him with conditions, including to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on May 28, 2025.

He has faced several charges in the past.

In 2023, Cook was charged with ten counts of arson after a series of fires set in Cherry Grove, including the ones that burnt down the Church of Latter-Day Saints, caused significant damage to the post office, and others that damaged property or required several resources to put out.

According to Lakeland Connect archives, he has also been charged with drug offences and other incidences of breaking and entering.