A heavy police presence and shelter-in-place order in Bonnyville on Thursday morning ended without injury, after RCMP safely took a suspect into custody.

On April 9, 2026, just before 9 a.m., Bonnyville RCMP received a report of a man sitting in a vehicle with a long firearm on his lap along 46 Avenue near 39 Street.

Immediate response and containment

With public safety as the top priority, RCMP quickly issued a shelter-in-place for nearby residents and schools while officers moved in and secured the area.

Multiple RCMP units were brought in to assist, including Emergency Response Team North, Police Dog Services, Air Services, and the Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit. Emergency Medical Services were also placed on standby.

Suspect arrested without incident

Police say the lone male occupant was taken into custody without incident as part of a coordinated arrest plan. No injuries were reported.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly after the suspect was arrested.

Charges laid

Chad Jonathon Blackman, a 31-year-old resident of Cold Lake, is now facing several charges, including:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Failing to comply with release orders
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking controlled drugs and substances

Schools placed under Hold & Secure

During the incident, several Bonnyville schools were placed under Hold & Secure as a precaution. That measure has since been lifted.

Ongoing investigation

Bonnyville RCMP are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bonnyville RCMP at 780-826-3358.

To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at P3Tips.com, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.