St. Paul – A stabbing in Saddle Lake, a stolen truck found burned near Lac La Biche and several arrests were among the more than 700 calls for service handled by St. Paul RCMP throughout October.

The detachment’s monthly community update highlights eight notable incidents investigated between October 3 and 29 across St. Paul, Saddle Lake, Whitefish Lake and the surrounding area.

Stabbing in Saddle Lake leads to arrest

On October 18, officers responded to a weapons-related assault in Saddle Lake that left one person injured.

RCMP arrested a suspect and pursued charges following the investigation. Police did not release details about the extent of the victim’s injuries or the charges involved.

Two days later, on October 20, RCMP launched a coordinated search in Whitefish Lake after two individuals fled from police.

With assistance from Police Dog Services, police air support and specialized enforcement units, officers located and arrested both individuals.

Stolen vehicles and outstanding warrants

On October 3, RCMP received a report of a pickup truck stolen from a rural property in the County of St. Paul.

The truck was later found burned in the Lac La Biche area.

On October 25, officers conducting proactive patrols in the St. Paul area located another stolen vehicle, this one originating from Vegreville.

During the investigation, police arrested an individual wanted on outstanding warrants from another jurisdiction. The person appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was held in custody.

Another arrest followed on October 29 in Saddle Lake when officers located a person wanted on outstanding warrants.

The individual attempted to flee on foot but was caught after a brief pursuit. The suspect was held for a judicial interim release hearing.

Impaired driving, business break-in and garage fire

On October 5, RCMP responded to a suspected impaired driver in Saddle Lake.

Police say the driver refused to provide a breath sample. The vehicle was seized and towed, and officers took enforcement action under Alberta’s provincial impaired driving legislation.

On October 25, RCMP, firefighters and EMS responded to a major detached garage fire in the County of St. Paul.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Three days later, on October 28, police investigated a break and enter at a St. Paul business.

Using surveillance footage and follow-up investigative work, officers identified and arrested a suspect.

The individual was later released by the court under conditions pending future court appearances.

RCMP connect with community through training and recruitment

Beyond responding to emergencies and investigating crimes, St. Paul RCMP members also participated in several community initiatives throughout October.

Officers attended a two-day cultural awareness training session hosted by Saddle Lake Cree Nation.

RCMP recruiters also attended the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce Job Fair on October 15, while local members visited St. Paul Regional High School’s Post-Secondary Night to speak with students and parents about policing careers, training at Depot Division and opportunities within the RCMP.

RCMP warn residents about holiday delivery scams

With the holiday shopping season approaching, St. Paul RCMP are reminding residents to be cautious of fraudulent text messages and emails claiming to come from delivery companies.

Police encourage residents to avoid clicking unexpected links, never provide banking or personal information through unsolicited messages and visit delivery companies’ official websites directly to track packages.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by fraud should report it to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Residents who believe their financial information has been compromised should also contact their bank or credit card provider.

St. Paul RCMP emphasized that the eight incidents highlighted in the update represent only a small portion of the more than 700 files handled during October.

Anyone with information about criminal activity or ongoing investigations can contact St. Paul RCMP at 780-645-8888 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.