A violent armed robbery on Highway 36 early Wednesday morning set off a coordinated RCMP response stretching from Two Hills to Cold Lake, involving multiple detachments, specialized units and air support.

“This was another example of the various resources utilised by, and available to, Alberta RCMP jurisdictions,” said Supt. Anthony Hanson, Assistant District Officer for the Eastern Alberta District. “With multiple detachments, specialized units and our Real-Time Operations Center working together, we were able to quickly locate the vehicle and safely apprehend individuals who posed a serious risk to public safety.”

 

Armed robbery on Highway 36

Two Hills RCMP say the incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2026, when a male victim was sleeping inside his vehicle on Highway 36.

Police allege two suspects approached the vehicle, with one discharging a shotgun through the rear passenger window to force the victim out. The victim complied, and the suspects fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.

Two Hills RCMP responded and gathered enough information to issue an alert to neighbouring RCMP detachments.

 

Vehicle tracked to Cold Lake

At approximately 2:45 a.m., Bonnyville RCMP spotted the suspect vehicle and coordinated additional units to monitor its movements. The vehicle continued toward Cold Lake, where RCMP attempted a traffic stop.

Police say the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, prompting a pursuit. The Alberta RCMP Real-Time Operations Center coordinated resources, including Police Dog Services, Remote-Piloted Aircraft Systems and the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team.

The pursuit ended when the driver entered lease sites, abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The passenger remained at the scene and was arrested.

 

Police dog deployed, shotgun seized

An Alberta RCMP Police Dog tracked and located the fleeing suspect, leading to his arrest. The suspect was treated for minor injuries related to a dog bite.

A modified shotgun was located and seized as part of the investigation.

 

Charges laid

John Sauve, 20, and Linda-Joyce Wood, 20, both residents of Saddle Lake, Alta., were arrested in connection with the incident.

Sauve faces 13 charges, including robbery with a firearm, discharging a firearm, uttering threats, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and failure to comply with a court order.

Wood faces nine charges, including robbery with a firearm, discharging a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Both accused were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on Jan. 26, 2026.